Two Drivers Killed In a Head On Collision

Two men were killed on Saturday, June 2, 2007 due to a head on collision on US Highway 77 just north of Burlington.

Ralph Patterson, 71, of Lake Jackson and Ray Porter, 72, of Matagorda, were both pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Gary Northcott.

One of the passengers, Clara Patterson, 70, was taken to Scott and White Hospital in Temple by PHI helicopter.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Jimmy Morgan, who worked the accident that occurred around 10:40 a.m., Ms. Patterson suffered broken ankles, internal and back injuries during the collision. However, Morgan added that she is expected to recover.

The accident happened approximately two-tenths of a mile north of Burlington near the Milam-Falls County line.

According to DPS reports, the Pattersons were traveling southbound in a 2007 Cadillac CTS when a northbound vehicle, a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Porter, crossed the center stripe. The two cars collided driver to driver, with debris covering the roadway. DPS officials said it is unknown what may have caused the driver to go into the opposite lane.

Emergency personnel worked the scene for about three hours and the road way was blocked for about 90 minutes according to Morgan.