Driver Wrecks, Sits for One and a Half Hours Before Being Found, SEVEN OAKS, December 8, 2010 - At approximately 10 pm on December 7, 2010, a blue 1994 Pontiac Transport driven by William Butler, 61, of Corrigan was north-bound on Old Highway 35 in Seven Oaks when according to Butler, he swerved right to avoid a deer and his vehicle struck several small trees on the passenger's side before finally striking a couple of large pine trees that tore out the front end of his mini van. The van came to rest in the middle of 35 after spinning out from the collision with the large trees. Butler and his 18 year old grand daughter (Linda Armstead of Leggett) sat in their wrecked vehicle for a short time before Butler finally left his van and went for help from some houses further down the road. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Corporal Lee Rogers of the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Troopers Kevin Burman and Darwon Evans with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Upon arrival, 18 year old Linda Armstead appeared to be trapped, but Corporal Rogers pryed the door open with his hands to free the passenger so EMS Personnel could get to her. Armstead was treated at the scene and transported to Lufkin Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Driver William Butlers was physically okay. The road was completely blocked during investigation and cleanup. Butler and his passenger allegedly had cell phones but didn't use them. Butler did have insurance and no citations were issued. The vehicle was recovered by Riley Wrecker Service and will be stored in Corrigan. The scene was cleared 12:45 am.
In an emergency situation, Corporal Lee Rogers (left) pryed open the stuck door with his hands to free the trapped passenger.
William Butler's 1994 Pontiac Transport's passenger side was heavily damaged after brushing up against several small pines.
The vehicle struck these 2 trees after first brushing up against a host of smaller trees.
The collision with the large trees ensured that the vehicle was totaled.
Trooper Darwon Evans assisted in the investigation.
Butler's airbag deployed.
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