Updated: Fiery, early morning accident sent driver to JMH

At around 2:30 am on Thursday the Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department and The Department of Public Safety were called out to County Rd 1012 in Newton County for a one-vehicle accident that had burst into flames.

Burkeville VFD Chief Charles Duckworth said, "When we got there, the driver had already freed himself. It looked to me like he just straightened out a curve and lost control. The guy was young, like 17 or so. That curve on 1012 is the worst curve in Newton County. People need to realize -especially if they are impaired or don't know the area, just how easy it is to mess up. Just slow down and be vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings because it's easy to make a mistake."

The driver, 19-year-old Jaxon Bernis had some facial injuries and was transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital via Allegiance EMS.

The following is the DPS report in its entirety;

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers investigated a crash on Farm-to-Market Road 1012, approximately one-half mile south of state Highway 63 east, that occurred Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates that at approximately 3 a.m., a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer was traveling south. It is reported that the driver was traveling at a speed which was unsafe around a curve and lost control, causing the vehicle to travel into the ditch, where it struck a tree and caught fire.

The driver, identified as 19-year-old Jaxon Bernis of Newton, was transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

There is no further information available.

Photo courtesy of Burkeville VFD Chief Duckworth