According to investigating State Trooper Jimmy Morgan, Jones was eastbound in a 99 Dodge pickup when he drifted into the westbound lane striking the 77 Ford pickup driven by Horlica, head on. All Three were killed instantly upon impact.  Jones was ejected from his pickup which then flipped and rolled off a concrete embankment into a deep ditch.  The bodies of both Horlica and Ford were pulled from their vehicle.  None of the victims were wearing seat belts.  

     A witness to the wreck told KMIL News at the scene Tuesday that Jones had passed her on the curve just east of Buckholts, and was driving somewhat erratic.  She said after passing her, Jones then drifted back into the westbound lane and without braking, struck the Horlica pickup.  

     All Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Chip Dunsmore, and all three bodies were taken to the Travis County Morgue for autopsies.  The highway was completely shut down for two hours as traffic was re-routed down a county road and onto FM 486 back to Highway 36 at Pettibone.

     Tuesday's fatalities were the 3rd, 4th and 5th for Milam County this year, and the county's worst accident since March of 1998 when 3 people were killed and 7 others injured in a three vehicle head-on accident near maysfield.  In that year a total of 10 people died in Milam County traffic accidents.  Last year 9 people were killed.

(Above)  Horlica's pickup was struck head-on in the westbound lane of Highway 36.  (Below)  Front end view of Horlica's pickup.

     Trooper Jimmy Morgan was assisted at the scene by Robertson County Trooper Jonathan Hunter, Cameron Volunteer Firemen, and the Milam County Sheriff's Department.   

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