August 30, 2016 - (Update at 5:52pm Aug. 30): The driver of the 2008 Dodge SUV involved in the crash this date on SH 7 has been identified as 38-year-old Michael Lee Smith from Center. Smith was transported to LSU Hospital in Shreveport for treatment. Mr. Smith’s condition is unknown at this time. Shelby County DPS troopers continue to investigate the crash. No further information is available at this time.
Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers Dustin Ramos and Austin Lunsford are currently investigating a four-vehicle crash which occurred just before CR 3156.
Troopers and emergency personnel were dispatched to State Highway 7 East in reference to a four-vehicle crash on August 30, 2016 at 7:34am. Upon arrival, one vehicle was overturned, and two with major damage.
The driver of a tan Dodge Durango was flown from the scene by Life-Air Rescue to LSU Shreveport for treatment of unknown injuries. The driver of a white Nissan Rogue and a grey Saturn Ion were both transported by ACE EMS to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The crash scene is still under investigation as troopers paint and photograph the scene.
Joaquin Volunteer Firemen and Center Fire Department firemen were on scene assisting other emergency personnel and providing traffic control.
Further information will be provided as it is made available by DPS.
(Update): Preliminary crash investigation indicates a 2008 Dodge SUV was driving westbound on SH 7 when the vehicle suddenly drove into the eastbound lanes and struck three eastbound vehicles.
The Driver of the Dodge SUV struck a 2007 Saturn passenger car, a 2014 Chrysler 200 and a 2016 Nissan SUV.
The identity of the driver of the Dodge is not available at this time; the next of kin notification has not been made. The driver was however airlifted from the scene of the crash and transported to a Shreveport Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the Saturn was identified as Randal Allen, 43, from Shreveport. The driver of the Chrysler was identified as James Daniels, 40, from Center and the driver of the Nissan was identified as Courtney Johnson, 24, also from Center.
Allen and Johnson were both transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital for possible treatment while Daniels was not reported as being injured as a result of the crash.
This crash remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
