Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Local Teen Killed On Texas Hwy.

A two-vehicle accident in New Boston, Texas left three young people dead, including one from Prescott.

The accident occurred early Wednesday morning, June 26, when an 18-wheeler ran into the rear end of a 1965 Chrysler as it attempted to merge into traffic on Interstate 30.

According to information from officials with the Department of Public Safety, Brandon Nelson, 19, of Texarkana, Texas, was driving the Chrysler when he pulled off the eastbound shoulder of I-30 around 3:45 a.m.

The Chrysler was hit almost immediately by the semi, driven by Thomas Russell, 46, of Georgia, who was not injured in the accident.

The collision occurred at the 200 mile marker and resulted in an explosion which burned the three in the car beyond recognition, troopers said.

Along with Nelson, Andrea Lewis, 17, of Prescott, and Pago Kelly, 23, of Texarkana, were killed.

DPS trooper Chris Allen said Russell never saw the car coming.

According to reports, the trio were returning from Dallas to their homes when the accident happened. Officials said the explosion may have been the result of the car's hydraulic system, which included four batteries in the trunk.

The incident caused I-30 to be blocked for almost four hours, until 7:30 a.m. Wednesday while the investigation was made.

The remains of all three were sent to Dallas for autopsies. Blood tests were also taken on the victims and Russell. These tests should be back in six to eight weeks.