Residents: Southern Smith County Road Is Dangerous

GRESHAM — Nearby residents say they are not shocked over a fatal wreck last Thursday on FM 2813 in southern Smith County. Authorities say it happened after one driver — the one who was killed — failed to yield right of way. One resident tells KETK, “A lot of people out here don’t usually stop either. So I’m expecting a big accident outside of my house.” Some say the small roads seem to have a high accident rate. Smith County Sheriff’s Office PIO John Moore says, “Some of these intersections might not be as marked as when you’re traveling in the city. When you’re in the city you have red lights and things that call your attention more than you do in the county, so it’s twice as important when you’re in the county that you pay attention to oncoming traffic.”

Officials say 29-year-old Omar Saucedo died Friday. The accident happened at the intersection of FM 2813 and County Road 128. A pickup towing a trailer driven by Scott Pope, 43, of Hawkins, was traveling westbound on the farm road. According to state troopers, a white SUV driven by Saucedo was eastbound on the farm road when it turned left, failing to yield right of way to the oncoming pickup. The pickup struck the SUV as it turned in front of it. Both vehicles fell into a nearby ditch, and the SUV caught fire. A passerby managed to extinguish the flames before officials arrived on scene.

Pope remained in critical condition at Mother Frances hospital in Tyler. His two passengers were listed as having non-incapacitating injuries and taken to ETMC and Mother Frances. Saucedo was initially listed as having critical injuries and taken to ETMC. Officials say he was wearing a seatbelt. His passenger was listed as having non-incapacitating injuries and taken to ETMC.