Building damaged, two injured in separate crashes

A 2009 Chevrolet pickup truck crashed into the Woodlake Post Office on Sept. 15 after its brakes failed. Courtesy photo

TCNS staff

TRINITY COUNTY —Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers investigated a wreck where a vehicle crashed through the front of the Woodlake Post Office.

The wreck occurred on U.S. Highway 287 in the afternoon of Sept. 15.

The report indicates that at approximately 12:46 p.m., a 2009 Chevrolet pickup was traveling east on 287, when it slowed and made a left turn into the Post Office parking lot. The brakes failed, causing the pickup to crash into the building.

The driver, 46-year-old Stefanie Mochman of Groveton, and one passenger were not injured.

On Sept. 19, troopers investigated a crash on Highway 94 near Sullivan Road that caused a pickup to catch fire.

The report indicates that at approximately 4 p.m., a 2006 GMC pickup was traveling southwest while a 2020 Volkswagen SUV was traveling northeast.

The driver of the pickup failed to control his speed and veered to the left to avoid colliding with stopped traffic ahead, causing it to turn in front of the Volkswagen. The GMC was struck on its passenger side by the Volkswagen and then caught fire.

Apple Springs VFD Fire Chief Brett Selman said that car fires are difficult, as the magnesium contained in the metal burns hot and has to cool to make it easier to extinguish.

The driver of the GMC, 18-year-old Dakota Newton of Apple Springs, was transported to HCA Houston in Conroe for treatment.

The driver of the Volkswagen, 58-year-old Cynthia Thigpen of Pollok, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing.