AMAZING PHOTO: How Did This Texas Trucker Survive This Wreck?

Wednesday morning, the City of Lufkin released information about an accident involving two 18-wheelers near the intersection of Highway 59 and Southwood Drive (FM 324).

It was categorized as a 'significant' accident that would take hours to clear. One of the trucks was carrying a load of 25-foot steel pipes. Despite contributed photos showing the tangled wreckage, it was reported that only one driver was transported to the hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

A Miraculous Outcome

The City of Lufkin gave an update on Wednesday evening concerning road conditions, they also released more photos of the wreckage. One of those photos showed two steel pipes that had penetrated the cab of one of the big rigs. Take note of the pipe that was inches away from the driver's side seat.

Some may call this good fortune, but many (myself included) believe a miraculous event took place.  I pray that this driver understands that this was more than a lucky outcome and gives thanks to God for his second chance at life.

As of 5 p.m., Highway 59 South has reopened following this major accident that caused significant traffic delays for seven hours. The incident occurred at 7:53 a.m. when a tanker truck entered a northbound crossover to access Southwood Drive/FM 324, crossing into the path of a southbound 18-wheeler hauling 25-foot steel pipes.

Upon impact, the 18-wheeler lost its load, and the driver became temporarily trapped in the mangled cab. Lufkin Police and Fire responded quickly, with firefighters assisting the driver to safety. Remarkably, the driver was able to walk to the stretcher despite two steel pipes penetrating the cab, officers said. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

The tanker truck driver did not require medical transport, although the tanker turned over onto its side. The material he was carrying—effectively weed killer—leaked briefly.

Members of the Lufkin Fire Department's HAZMAT team quickly stopped the leak and remained on the scene to monitor the situation until the substance could be safely offloaded to another truck.

The lengthy road closure resulted in significant delays, with southbound traffic rerouted into one of the northbound lanes and Southwood at U.S. 59 southbound closed to through traffic.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Lone Star HAZMAT, and the Texas Department of Emergency Management assisted in managing the scene.