Tower Seriously Injuried in HD Wrecker Roll Over (TX)

[TowNews]

 

Just after midnight on 8/22/18, an 18-wheeler tank truck was eastbound on SH 105 between Cleveland and Tarkington when the driver swerved to miss a vehicle coming at him head-on in his lane. His trailer went into the ditch and caused the truck to roll over. The driver was not injured but it closed SH 105.

 

Moments later a J and J Heavy Duty Wrecker which was dispatched to the tanker rollover was eastbound on SH 105 in front of the Ranch Hand Restaurant when a dog ran out in front of him. The driver swerved to miss the dog and rolled the large heavy duty wrecker over. Tarkington and Cleveland Fire Departments responded.

 

The wrecker driver was transported to Memorial Hermann in Houston by Life Flight in critical condition.

 

As the wrecker crash was cleared, Smith Towing, Miller Heavy Duty, and Saddle Creek Towing hooked to the 18-wheeler. As soon as HAZMAT International finished pumping the tank out all four wreckers hooked on and righted the truck.

 

As this was happening an 18-wheeler Lumber truck tried to turn around at SH 105 and SH 321 and ran into the ditch. Smith towing pulled him out and SH 105 reopened at 5 am.

 

UPDATED: Last report was that Tow Operator David Perry is in ICU but stable. Waiting on MRI results to determine extent of injuries and next steps to take.

 

Multiple Resources

[rreschran]

Here's wishing David a speedy recovery.

[5towman]

Hope the driver is ok. I was taught in drivers education class 40+ years ago that you never swerve for small animals. Someone didn’t take care of their dog and now someone is fighting for his life because they didn’t want to hurt someone’s pet. Not good.