SMITH COUNTY, Texas — One person is dead and two others were injured following a major crash involving an ambulance that closed a portion of Toll 49 in Smith County.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred just south of Farm-to-Market Road 16 and Lindale.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates a UT Health ambulance, driven by paramedic Jacob Mocny, 22, of Quitman, was headed northbound on Toll 49. At the same time, a passenger vehicle, driven by Laina Wanttie, 51, of Mineola, was traveling southbound on Toll 49. DPS says Wanttie and lost control, crossed over into the northbound lane and struck the ambulance.
Mocny and another paramedic, identified as Ricky Eversult, 55, of Emory, were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Wanttie was pronounced dead at the scene by Judge Mitch Shamburger. Her body was taken to a local funeral hom.
The investigation is ongoing.