Wrong Way Driver Causes Major Accident on Hwy. 71

Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports on Monday evening, Nov. 30 around 8:26 p.m. the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a white pickup truck traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of St. Highway 71 near Plum.

Deputies responded to the area in an attempt to locate a wrong way driver. Prior to arrival a passing motorist reported a major accident on St. Hwy. 71 near Trinity School Rd. The accident involved the wrong way driver in a two-vehicle crash with another pickup truck.

Fayette County EMS unit medic 2 and the La Grange Fire Department also responded to the scene. DPS Trooper Mason Hartnett and Joshua Berger arrived on the scene to conduct the investigation of the accident. Also assisting at the scene were Deputies Michael Krenek, Jared Michalec, and Herman Olvera.

The wrong way driver was transported to South Austin hospital for his injuries and the other driver refused medical attention.

Around 1:54 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 another wrong way driver was reported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes from the McDonalds area on St. Hwy 71. It was reported to be a red Freightliner 18-wheeler pulling a trailer.

Deputies Michael Krenek, Jared Michalec, and La Grange Police Officer John Wostarek located and stopped the 18-wheeler on St. Hwy 71 near the St. Hwy 159 exit. The driver was from New York and did not realize he was traveling the wrong way, as he was not familiar with the area.

Investigation was completed and the driver was released to travel in the correct lane of traffic.