June 29, 2018 - State Highway 7 West was the scene of a major single-vehicle crash from which the driver was flown by ambulatory helicopter Thursday, June 28, 2018.
The crash was witnessed by John Green, who was preparing to enter SH7 from CR 1211 (Lake Pinkston Road) when he witnessed the truck leave the roadway following which he called for emergency assistance.
While Texas Department of Public Safety State (DPS) Troopers arrived and began investigating the incident, members of the West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department and Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies assisted with traffic control.
The driver of the pickup truck was moved from her vehicle by ACE EMS personnel, who were assisted by DPS Troopers and firemen in getting her to an ambulance. Center Fire Department firemen and Center Police Officers were also on scene to help.
It was determined a helicopter was needed to transport the driver and a landing zone was established in the middle of SH 7.
According to Texas DPS State Trooper Jesse Fountain, at 9:20am white 1999 Ford F-250 driven by Elaine Higginbotham, 76, of Center was eastbound on SH 7. At that time she failed to negotiate a left-hand curve in the roadway and left the pavement before striking several trees.
When emergency personnel arrived on scene, Higginbotham was trapped within the truck and it took several men and fire personnel to get her out of the vehicle.
Higginbotham was transported from the scene by Life Air Rescue to University Health in Shreveport for treatment of unknown injuries.
