Three Injured in Crash Monday In La Grange Near the Bypass

Three people suffered injuries in a crash at the SH 71 bypass intersection at the west end of La Grange Monday afternoon.

The wreck happened around 3 p.m. La Grange Police Officer Mitchell Maxwell investigated the accident. He reported that 65-year-old Michael Fortson of Temple was driving a black 2021 Chrysler 300 west on SH 71 Business. Fortson was trying to go west on SH 71. But instead of turning right to go under the underpass and onto the westbound side of 71, he went straight onto the service road.

Blanca Galindo-Rodriguez, 26 of La Grange, was driving a red 2016 Jeep Wranger east on SH 71. She exited at the off ramp and was heading toward the intersection. Maxwell said Fortson failed to yield the right-of-way and crashed into the Jeep.

Fayette County EMS transported both Fortson and a passenger, 58-year-old Sandra Fortson, to Seton Ascension Hospital in Smithville. Galindo- Rodriguez traveled by private vehicle to Urgent Care in La Grange for minor injuries.

Both vehicles were damaged in the crash.