Driver killed after 18-wheeler plows through Lufkin auto parts store

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Lufkin police were called early Wednesday morning to the scene of a fatal wreck involving an 18-wheeler that drove through an AutoZone on Timberland Drive.

According to a press release from the Lufkin Police Department, the fatal accident happened around 4:25 a.m.

The driver has been identified as Brian Golliday, 62, of St. Louis. Golliday’s family told Lufkin police he had a history of heart problems. An autopsy has been ordered.

The official report stated that the 18-wheeler was headed southbound when it left the road for an unknown reason at the Tulane intersection. The truck then traveled several hundred yards before entering and exiting the AutoZone building on Timberland Drive.

The truck came to rest in a Kiwanis Park tree line behind a neighboring office building, officials said.

When officers and firefighters arrived at the scene of the wreck, they found the driver was deceased. Firefighters worked for 30 minutes to extricate the driver from the cab, officials said.

According to officials, the truck tore down power lines after leaving the road. And initially, 900 homes were without power The number was down to 26 as of 6 a.m. Oncor is on the scene, officials said.

Two vehicles were in the AutoZone parking lot during the wreck and were also damaged. The truck driver was from out of state and was hauling bananas, said the release.

Officials from the Lufkin Police Department said the accident remains under investigation.

Officials say to expect delays, use caution and avoid the area if at all possible as cleanup continues.

Copyright 2021 KTRE. All rights reserved.