Trooper Kevin Burman (left) is the primary investigator (also pictured is Deputy Troy Binford with the Polk County Sheriff's Office).
Motorscooter Accident, Driver Flown to Houston, LIVINGSTON, March 16, 2013 - Shortly before 11 am on March 16, 2013, a blue 2003 Mercury Marquis driven by Forrest Mcdowell, 76, of Woodville, was at the intersection of FM-2457 and US-190 West (next to the corner Shell). Mcdowell attempted to cross over the east-bound lanes of traffic on 190 to the west-bound side, but failed to yield to an oncoming three wheel motorscooter driven by Charles T. O'Reilly, 62, of Huntsville. O'Reilly's motorscooter slammed into the front driver's side of Mcdowell's vehicle. The collsion spun Mcdowell's vehicle around facing east. O'Reilly was ejected from his motorscooter and thrown approximately 50 feet from the impact into the grassy median, he wasn't wearing a helmet. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Troopers Kevin Burman and Sergeant Nita Bowen (both with the Texas Highway Patrol). O'Reilly sustained serious injuries including both his right arm and leg fractured. Mcdowell and his passengers were physically okay. O'Reilly was treated at the scene by medical personnel, then transported by Ambulance to Livingston Memorial Hospital where a helicopter landed and transported him to Hermann Hospital in Houston. Traffic was partially blocked on the east-bound side of 190 during investigation and cleanup. According to Trooper Burman, Forrest Mcdowell was cited for failure to yield right-of-way from a stop sign. A rollback wrecker from Harwood Wrecker Service recovered Mcdowell's vehicle and it will stored at 101 Harwood Drive in Livingston. O'Reilly's motorscooter was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. The scene was cleared in a little over an hour.
WARNING: The images and video report below show scenes from a violent automobile/motorscooter accident. An injured person is visible. If this offends you in any way, DO NOT scroll down this page.
A 3 wheel motorscooter collided with a car when the car failed to yield right-of-way near the Corner Shell.
Charles O'Reilly of Huntsville lies contorted in the median between the east and west bound sides of US-190 West.
O'Reilly's 2008 Honda Goldwing was totaled in the collision. O'Reilly was ejected approximately 50 feet into the median.
Forrest Mcdowell of Huntsville was driving this 2003 Mercury Marquis and failed to yield to an east-bound O'Reilly.
O'Reillly was transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital where a helicopter flew him to Houston.
Deputy Troy Binford (right) assists Sergeant Nita Bowen with the Texas Highway Patrol.
Mcdowell's vehicle was recovered by Big Jim Harwood.
O'Reilly's motorscooter was recovered by Ken's Towing.
Mixi & Molly kept an eye on the situation.