Driver with 7 passengers hydroplaned during heavy rain

At around 2:45 Wednesday, Kirbyville Volunteer Fire Department, Kirbyville First Responders, and The Texas Department of Public Safety were called out to a single vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 96, near County Road 480.

DPS Media Sergeant Shana Clark said, " A 2008 Jeep SUV was traveling south and reportedly hydroplaned during a period of rainy weather, into the east ditch where she struck a tree."

The driver, identified as 22-year-old Samantha Hopson of Call, was transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Her passengers, a 31-year-old, a 3-year-old, a 5-year, old, an 8-year-old, two 11-year-olds, and a 13-year-old, were not injured.

Photos courtesy of ETB Sharpshooter Sheila Harley and KVFD Assistant Chief Steven Sowder