Two Care-Flighted in Overnight Accident on Crockett Rd in Palestine

PRESS RELEASE

On 10-06-2011 at approximately 0200 hrs, Officers responded to a call of a Major Traffic Accident on Crockett Rd at Vaughn. Upon arrival, Officers discovered that only one vehicle had been involved in the accident.

The vehicle was described as a red 2006 Dodge Charger. The initial investigation of the accident revealed that vehicle had been traveling southbound on Crockett Rd, in the outside lane. The vehicle appeared to have initially left the roadway striking a curb located near Crockett and Hunter Dr. The vehicle drove south through a triangular grass island, entered back onto the street at E. Vaughn, and traveled over the curb on the south side of E. Vaughn near Crockett. Rd. The vehicle initially struck a speed limit sign before striking a tree. The right side vehicle appeared to strike the first tree causing the vehicle to spin and become airborne. The vehicle struck a second tree causing the vehicle to sheer in half. A female passenger, later identified as Camilla Oliver 22 years of age, was ejected approximately 50 feet from the front seat of the vehicle. The male operator of the vehicle was not ejected, and was identified as Rannel Edward West, 34 years of age. Both subjects were initially transported to Palestine Regional Medical Center and were both care-flighted to ETMC-Tyler. Upon checking their status later in the day on October 6h, Oliver’s status was unknown pending surgery, and West was classified  as critical but stable.

Although speed has been determined to have been a factor in the accident, the investigation is continuing, as it has yet to be determined if intoxication played a part in the accident.