September 8, 2018 - U.S. 59 south of Tenaha was the scene of a major crash involving two 18-wheelers early Saturday, September 8, 2018, 1:30am which resulted in one driver's death. The truck-tractors collided head-on and came to rest in the middle of the highway just inside the Tenaha city limit. One of the trucks ignited in flames following the collision.
Emergency personnel from Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department, and Woods Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the scene and the assistance of Timpson Volunteer Fire Department was requested for the use of their Jaws of Life.
According to a press release issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a 2017 Peterbilt truck-tractor semi-trailer driven by David Forehand, 57, from El Lago, TX. was traveling south on US 59. The Peterbilt reportedly swerved to the left to avoid a tree that had fallen into the roadway and drove into the northbound lanes and struck a 2002 Sterling truck-tractor semi-trailer head-on that was driven by Joseph Cargal, 68, from Conroe, TX. The Sterling truck-tractor semi-trailer then caught fire.
Cargal was pronounced deceased at the scene by Jackie Kirkwood, Shelby County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4.
Forehand was transported to a Nacogdoches hospital and later transported to a Tyler hospital for treatment.
Texas Department of Public Safety State Troopers are currenlty investigating the crash. Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies were on scene to assist in redirecting traffic from the roadway in conjunction with firemen and TxDOT.
Investigators and first responders continue to work to clear the scene. Motorists are urged to use caution in this area.
