A head-on collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle on Sunday, March 15 in Greenwood County has claimed the life of one of the drivers, according to family members.
The accident occurred around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, on U.S. Highway 400 near the 325-mile marker, about four miles west of Piedmont.
When emergency personnel arrived, they found a semi-truck in the south ditch with extensive frontend damage. A Hyundai Santa Fe was located in the north ditch, also suffering significant frontend damage.
The driver of the semi, Toney Allen, 63, of Miami, Okla., reported experiencing pain and was transported to Greenwood County Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Dustin Thomas, 41, of Kechi, was found pinned inside his vehicle with serious injuries. Rescue crews worked to extricate him before he was transported to a hospital in Wichita for treatment.
Earlier reports indicated that Thomas was in stable but critical condition. However, his family later shared that he passed away on Saturday due to the injuries he sustained in the crash.
In a final act of generosity, Thomas was able to donate eight organs to potential recipients. His family asks that the community keep his three children in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
A copy of his obituary can be found on page 4 of this week’s edition.
