CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Troup Student Removed from Car Crash by Helicopter

Troup Student Removed from Car Crash by Helicopter

By Anthony Austin

A Troup High School student is in serious condition tonight after crashing his car into a tree.

It happened just before school this morning on County Road 2160 between Troup and Arp, a few miles off of Highway 135.

 DPS troopers said the 17-year-old was probably speeding down the county road this morning. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour. But it's believed that the teenager was traveling well beyond that speed. Sources tell us 17-year-old Richard Darden was the driver, a Troup High School Senior.

DPS troopers said the teenager lost control. He tried to get back on the road, but he lost control again and ran into a ditch, hitting a mailbox, and crashing into a tree.

"Pay more attention to the roadway at all times," said Trooper Cpl. Jonathan Peters, "Cell phones, radios, it doesn't take but a split second and anything can happen at that point and time," added Peters. 

Troopers said they're not sure if the teen was distracted when he lost control. Corporal Peters told CBS 19 at the scene that Darden suffered extensive injuries in the wreck.

He's believed to be in serious condition at East Texas Medical Center. Darden was driving alone when the car crashed. Darden was driving alone when the car crashed.

A serious car accident near Troup sends one high school student to the hospital.

A 17- or 18-year-old male Troup High School student was removed from the scene of a one-car crash near Troup at about 8:45 a.m. this morning by air ambulance.

At approximately 8 a.m., the Toyota Corolla he was driving on Smith County Road 2160 between Troup and Arp, left the road and hit a ditch, a mailbox, and then a pine tree.

Trooper Jonathon Peters, who is on the scene, said the teen's condition is serious.

Peters confirmed that the boy was alone in the car when it crashed.

CBS 19 will continue to keep you updated as we get new information.