Tanker Truck Turns Over, BIG SANDY, March 20, 2022 - At approximately 8:25 am on March 20, 2022, an 18 wheeler tanker, driven by Vernon Lee Smith, 65, of Saratoga, was south-bound on FM-1276.
Smith entered a curve too fast (about 4 miles south of Big Sandy School), his 18 wheeler left the pavement to the left and turned over on its driver's side.
Smith was entrapped.
The Alabama Coushatta and Segno Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene along with Allegiance Ambulance Service and Trooper Cotye Lowrie with the Texas Highway Patrol.
Emergency personnel were able to safely remove Smith from his cab.
Smith was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries.
Smith was hauling salt water.
The tanker ruptured and was leaking the salt water.
Traffic on 1276 was blocked during investigation and cleanup.
Smith will be cited for unsafe speed.
A heavy duty wrecker was sent for to clean up the mess.