Trinity County News 2

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Special to the News-Standard

TRINITY — Texas Department of Public Safety investigated two separate crashes on FM Road 356, just west of White Rock Acres Road on Thursday. 

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 11:20 p.m., a 1999 Chevrolet pickup was traveling east when the driver drove off the roadway to the right. The vehicle overturned and ejected the driver. 

The driver, Raymond King, 31, of Trinity, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston by medical helicopter for treatment. 

Just moments after the crash involving King, a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle also was traveling east when the motorcyclist struck the spare tire from the previous crash, causing the motorcycle to crash. 

The motorcyclist, Larry Brisco, 46, of Plainview, was transported to CHI Hospital in Bryan by medical helicopter for treatment. 

The crashes remain under investigation.

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Trinity firefighters battled a blaze at a home on Falcon Street they believed was caused by a faulty air conditioner. Courtesy photo

TCNS staff

TRINITY — Three residents narrowly escaped a fire that erupted on Falcon Street around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Assistant Fire Chief Keith Johnson said the Trinity Fire Department responded to the structure fire in the Pinecrest subdivision on Falcon Street with three trucks and 14 firefighters. They contained the fire in about 20 minutes. 

Even though the fire was extinguished quickly, the damage to the home and its contents was extensive. Resident Laura Thrasher and two others were able to exit the building during the fire, and no injuries were reported. 

Johnson said the blaze possibly was caused by a malfunctioning window air conditioner. 

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A pickup truck was severely damaged in a crash involving a semi. Courtesy photo

TCNS staff

TRINITY COUNTY —Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers investigated a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle on U.S. Highway 287, at the intersection of state Highway 94, on Monday.  

The report indicates that at approximately 8:45 a.m., a 2022 Kenworth tractor-trailer was traveling east, while a 2022 Dodge pickup was traveling north. It is reported that the pickup failed to yield to the truck tractor at the stop sign governing the intersection when the truck tractor struck the pickup on its left side.  

The driver of the truck tractor, identified as 47-year-old William Lejeune of Columbus, Miss., was not injured.  

The driver, identified as 20-year-old Blake Gresham of Houston, and two passengers were transported to CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial for treatment. 

This is an ongoing investigation.

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Special to the News-Standard

AUSTIN — Motorists headed out for one last summer holiday should remember that state law requires them to slow down or move over when tow trucks and other emergency vehicles — police, fire, EMS and highway response trucks — are stopped on the side of the road with their lights activated.

If a road has more than one lane traveling in the same direction, drivers must move out of the lane closest to the emergency vehicles stopped on the road OR slow down at least 20 miles per hour below the speed limit.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation regulates the towing industry as well as the Driver Education and Safety program.

Safety tips for driving this Labor Day weekend (or any day, really):

•Slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing. If you get tired, pull over in a safe spot and walk around to re-energize.

•Don’t drink and drive, even a little bit.

•Designate a (sober) driver.

•Stay off the mobile phone — this includes texting. Designate a “co-pilot” to oversee the phone while you’re driving so you can concentrate on the task at hand.

•Stay weather-aware. Turn around and don’t drown if water is running across the road. Only two feet of rushing water can sweep away a vehicle.

•Leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Roadways are likely to be crowded. 

Drive friendly — the Texas way!