Fiery Crash Injures Two Near West Point

Two drivers suffered injuries in a crash on State Highway 71 near West Point last Friday.

According to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash happened around 5:30 p.m. less than a half mile west of Prairie Valley Road. Rain was falling at the time.

The report said 46-year-old Chandra Denise Thompson was driving a blue 2008 Volkswagen Jetta east on SH 71 in the left lane. A 2019 gray Chevy Trax driven by 24-year-old Renee Nicole Bayer of Katy was heading west in the left lane. The report said Thompson lost control of the Jetta and went across the highway, striking a yield sign. The Jetta continued into the westbound lanes and was struck by the Chevy in the left rear quarterpanel. The report said Bayer told the investigator that she saw the Jetta and attempted to take evasive action by swerving to the right.

The Jetta entered the ditch on the north side of the road, caught fire and burned. Fayette County EMS transported Thompson to St. David’s Hospital in South Austin for Treatment. Another ambulance took Bayer to St. Mark’s Hospital in La Grange for treatment.

DPS Trooper Louis Gabler investigated the crash. Gabler cited Thompson for driving at an unsafe speed and failure to maintain financial responsibility.