Pre-dawn collision sends two to hospitals

Published Sunday, April 27, 2008

By Brandon Evans

Alcohol might have played a role in a two-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Texas 101 between Bridgeport and Chico.

A green, four-door passenger car leaving the TXI plant at approximately 4:15 a.m. failed to yield at the stop sign and drove directly into the path of a southbound pickup on Texas 101, said Department of Public Safety trooper Greg Hair.

The driver of the car, Beverly Perkins, 61, of Chico was knocked unconscious from the collision. She was flown to John Peter Smith hospital in Fort Worth.

Her son, Lance Perkins, who was riding in the front passenger seat, said his mom did stop at the stop sign, but she then tried to race across to the northbound lane but was broadsided by the oncoming pickup headed south.

Perkins suffered a broken pelvis and broken collarbone from the accident, but Lance said she is expected to make a full recovery.

Beverly Perkins was picking her son up from the TXI plant following his late-night work shift. Two other passengers were also in the car, but suffered no serious injuries.

The driver of the truck, Darrell Brown, 49, of Chico, was taken to Wise Regional for a knee injury.

A few cans of beer were found scattered on the highway at the point of impact. Blood work will be performed on the drivers.