Firefighter critically injured after tanker truck accident in Hardin County

A Hardin County firefighter was critically injured and lost an arm, while a truck driver suffered minor injuries in a series of events that began shortly before 6:00 on Thanksgiving morning.

According to KFDM 6 News, emergency crews responded to an accident on Highway 105 just east of Sour Lake, and arrived to find that an 18-wheeler tanker truck, carrying 6,700 gallons of crude oil, had left the roadway, overturned, and then caught on fire.

Officials had to shut down the highway, and they also evacuated nearby homes.

While emergency crews were at the scene, another 18-wheeler, which wasn't involved in the incident, backed over a volunteer firefighter Kim Huckabee , who was helping to direct traffic. She was taken to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont where doctors had to amputate her left arm near the elbow. At last word, she remained in critical condition.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver of the tanker truck may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Story and photograph courtsey of KJAS Radio.