Local News
Two wrecks snarl I-20 Thursday
Crystal Brown
cbrown@weatherforddemocrat.com
Two major semi-truck accidents Thursday shut down portions of Interstate-20 for hours and sent numerous drivers and passengers to area hospitals.
Around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, a semi-truck traveling eastbound near the 408 exit of I-20 veered out the eastbound lanes and crossed through the cables into westbound traffic, according to Cpl. Wendy Field of the Weatherford Police Department.
“When the vehicle veered out of its lanes, it caused another vehicle that was right beside it to do the same,” Field said. “Once the semi-truck and SUV entered the westbound lanes of traffic, five other vehicles collided into them.”
Ten people were transported to area hospitals including one to Cook Children’s Hospital, four to Harris – Downtown, two to John Peter Smith and three to Weatherford Regional Medical Center.
As of Thursday evening, the victims have all been reported to be in stable condition.
The Weatherford Police Department was assisted by Weatherford Fire Department, Hudson Oaks Police Department, Willow Park Police Department, Willow Park Fire Department, Parker County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Another accident happened in the early morning hours Thursday, when a missed entrance to the I-20 on-ramp led to a three-vehicle accident, shutting down the highway for more than six hours and leaving one person in critical condition.
Lauren Vitale, 18, of Fort Worth, was driving west-bound on the north frontage road of I-20 at the Brock exit at approximately 1:12 a.m. when she missed the on ramp, went up the side of the road in the grass and out in front of a semi truck traveling on the Interstate, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Gary Rozzell said.
Rozzell said the truck driver, Joshua Pottker, 31, of Fort Worth, tried to avoid hitting Vitale, but the left rear of her car struck the front right steering tire of the large truck. Rozzell said the impact sent Pottker’s truck, a 2002 Kenworth, across the median and into oncoming traffic.
There is no cable strung between oncoming lanes on the Interstate in this portion of Parker County to prevent traffic from crossing the median.
As Pottker’s truck crossed into oncoming traffic, he came into contact with a 2005 Freightliner driven by Pascal Rincones Cisneros Jr., 54, of Lorenzo.
“Pottker’s vehicle fell over on the side and came to rest at that point,” Rozzell said. “Cisneros continued down the highway for a distance and came to a rest with major damage to the truck tractor.
Cisneros was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth and is currently listed in critical condition. Rozzell said troopers who worked the scene, Gene Hansen and Ty McLaughlin, originally reported him as deceased, but the family has elected not to take him off life support as of Thursday afternoon.
Pottker was transported to Weatherford Regional Medical Center and later released.
Rozzell said the accident is under investigation and Vitale does not face any charges at this time. She was not reported to have any injuries.
- Local News
-
-
Hannah’s House seeks helpers for court ordered, supervised visitations
WILLOW PARK — Did you know several tragedies involving children have prompted new Texas laws for increased safety and reduced trauma for children of divorced parents? Now more than ever, there is an increased demand for safe supervised visitations and conflict-free child exchange between divorced parents.
-
2010 Hamfest set for March 27
WEATHERFORD — Sponsored by the Amateur Radio Club of Parker County, the 2010 Weatherford Hamfest is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Couts United Methodist Church, 802 N. Elm St. in Weatherford.
-
Roos baseball, softball rescheduled
Due to Tuesday's local weather, Weatherford High School baseball and softball games have been rescheduled.
- Weatherford College offices closed for Spring Break
-
Chuckwagon Camp at Doss set for spring break
WEATHERFORD — For three days, children in the fifth grade through adults can learn about the challenges pioneers and cowboys had cooking on the trail.
-
Library to offer Spring Break fun
WEATHERFORD — Spring Break 2010 is here and the Weatherford Public Library is offering a full schedule of children’s activities.
-
Annual golf tourney set for April 1
WEATHERFORD — The Weatherford ISD Education Foundation will host its ninth annual Fools for Schools Golf Tournament Thursday, April 1 at Split Rail Links and Golf Club.
-
WC raises tuition
Parker County residents who choose to attend Weatherford College this fall will pay $4 more per semester hour; the 6.6 percent increase to $65 per semester hour was approved by Weatherford College trustees in regular session Thursday.
-
Weatherford College raises tuition rates
Parker County residents who choose to attend Weatherford College this fall will pay $4 more per semester hour; the 6.6 percent increase to $65 per semester hour was approved by Weatherford College trustees in regular session Thursday.
- Sheriff's Activity Call Log
- More Local News Headlines
-
Hannah’s House seeks helpers for court ordered, supervised visitations
