The Texas Department of Public Safety is reporting that a woman from Silsbee died in a tragic auto accident involving an 18 wheeled tractor trailer truck that occurred on Saturday between Lumberton and Silsbee on Highway 96.
Troopers said a preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 1:00 p.m.; a 2014 Kia Soul was traveling north and had slowed for a vehicle turning right. A 2001 northbound GMC pickup moved over onto the improved shoulder then swerved back to the left, striking the Kia. The Kia was then struck by a northbound 2006 Peterbilt truck tractor semi-trailer.
A passenger in the Kia, 36 year old Laura Whitfill of Silsbee was pronounced dead at the scene by a Hardin County Justice of the Peace. The driver of the vehicle, Benjamin Whitfill, 41, also from Silsbee and an 8 year old child were injured and taken to a hospital in Beaumont, where they were at last word, still undergoing treatment.
The driver of the GMC is identified as Freddie Smith, 75, from Lumberton was also transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital.
The driver of the Peterbilt is identified as Christopher Caraway, 50, from Silsbee was not injured during the crash.
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