Livingston, TX (September 6, 2026) – Eight people were taken to the hospital following a crash involving an SUV and a van carrying inmates in Polk County on Friday, September 4. The crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. at Business US 59 and FM 1988, south of Livingston.
A Ford Escape was traveling south on Business US 59 while a Texas Department of Criminal Justice van was traveling east on FM 1988. The van had stopped at a stop sign before pulling into the SUV’s path. The SUV struck the van, sending its occupants for medical evaluation. The 84-year-old SUV driver and a 75-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital.
Six inmates who were inside the van were also taken to the hospital. All eight people had non-life-threatening injuries. The van driver and two guards were not injured. The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, and fault has not been determined.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they recover.
Safety at Stop Signs
Drivers approaching a stop sign should come to a complete stop and check for approaching traffic before entering an intersection. A clear view of the roadway can help drivers identify which vehicles have the right of way.
Drivers should also make sure the path is clear before moving forward from a stop. Staying alert and avoiding distractions can provide more time to react when traffic conditions change.
