HANKAMER, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking for help in locating a driver and a vehicle that were involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash.
It happened on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Interstate 10 near Hankamer. An initial investigation suggests that a 2012 Chevrolet SUV was parked on the outside of the eastbound lanes.
While stopped, the SUV was struck by a 2017 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer. The driver of the truck tractor was not injured.
Investigators believe the driver of the SUV was outside of the vehicle following the initial crash when they were struck by an unidentified vehicle, according to a Texas DPS release.
Investigators believe the driver of the unknown vehicle did not stop at the scene.
The driver of the SUV, Georgiana Thomas, 50, of Port Arthur, was pronounced dead at the scene. The three passengers of the SUV were taken to Hermann Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The passengers included an 8-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old.
Anyone who has information that could help locate the unknown driver and vehicle is asked to call Lufkin DPS communications at 936-634-4623.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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From a Texas DPS release:
CHAMBERS COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10, approximately 1.5 miles south of Hankamer, Friday, Jan. 21, 2022.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the crash occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. It’s reported that a 2012 Chevrolet SUV was parked in the outside lane and was struck by a 2017 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer.
Following that crash, the driver of the SUV was outside the vehicle when investigators believe an unknown vehicle struck the motorist and failed to stop at the scene.
Chambers County Justice of the Peace Judge Hatfield pronounced the driver deceased at the scene.
UPDATE: The driver of the SUV, identified as 50-year-old Georgiana Thomas of Port Arthur, was pronounced deceased on scene and three child passengers, an 8-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 4-year-old, all transported to Hermann Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the truck tractor, identified as 68-year-old Lyle Kjonaas of Minnesota, was not injured.
The investigation remains ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.
DPS is requesting assistance from the public in locating the vehicle and driver who may have struck the motorist. Anyone who has information regarding this crash is asked to contact Lufkin DPS Communications at 936-634-4623.