Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ice-covered bridge blamed for early morning accident

Although Gurdon did not get quite as much winter precipitation as other parts of the state, the weather is being blamed for an accident that occurred in Gurdon on Friday, Feb. 2.

According to the accident report on file at the Gurdon Police Department, Tommy Wells Jr., 23, of 702 Clark Road, was traveling south on U.S. 67 when he hit a patch of ice on a bridge causing him to lose control of the Ford Ranger pickup he was driving. The report indicates that he slid for approximately 30 yards before colliding with an 18-wheeler parked in the parking lot at Lewies Bait Shop.

Wells vehicle was disabled in the accident and had to be towed from the scene. The 18-wheeler was not seriously damaged and was not disabled.

Wells told police that he was taking two children to school when the accident occurred. Both children were transported by ambulance to Baptist Health Medical Center  Arkadelphia for treatment. Their condition is unknown.

The report states that Wells was slightly injured but refused to be taken to the hospital.

The driver of the 18-wheeler, Robert Anderson, 42, of 247 Nevada 38 in Prescott, was not injured.

No citations were issued as a result of the accident.

No other weather related accidents were reported in the Gurdon area.