Poteau Driver In Critical Condition
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On Sunday, November 29, 2020, a two vehicle collision required a driver to be air lifted from the scene.
James Clayton, 75, of Poteau, was traveling east on Highway 43 in a red 2011 Subaru when, for reasons unknown, he left the roadway to the right for approximately 320 feet.
Clayton skidded along the steep embankment before coming back up onto the road. He drifted left of center and struck a white 2017 Ford Pickup pulling a trailer with a side by side onboard.
The impact left both vehicles damaged beyond use with Clayton pinned inside his vehicle for 20 minutes.
He was freed by the Stringtown Fire Department using the Hurt (jaws of life) tool.
The driver of the Ford, Brady Bishop, 36, of Kaufman, Texas, Megan Bishop, 36, and their three minor passengers were unharmed in the collision.
Air Care of McAlester responded to fly Clayton from the scene to Saint John’s Hospital, of Tulsa, where he was listed in critical condition with multiple injuries.
The collision occurred eight miles east of Stringtown near Deadman’s Curve.
Emergency crews from Stringtown Police and Fire Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Daisy Fire Department, Atoka County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Atoka County Sheriff Department, and Air Care of McAlester responded to the accident.
Both vehicles required to be towed and delayed holiday traffic for several hours.
