OCSO investigating fatal accident

Saturday, Dec. 5, at approximately 5:15 am, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a call concerning a motor vehicle crash in the westbound lane on the Neches River Bridge on IH-10 in Orange County.

Upon investigation it was determined that a Geo Metro had stalled on the bridge in the outside lane of travel. A Toyota van was traveling west bound and slowed to avoid striking the Geo. The Toyota was stopped behind the Geo to avoid a collision at which time a Chevrolet struck the Toyota from the rear causing a crash.

Both occupants in the Toyota decided to exit the vehicle as they did not feel it was safe staying in the vehicle as they believed their vehicle was going to be struck again due to the traffic conditions. The passenger of the Toyota climbed out of the vehicle and climbed over the bridge railing and jumped to the adjacent bridge structure which was only a few feet away. The driver of the Chevrolet jumped over the railing to the adjacent bridge as well for safety. The driver of the Toyota attempted to jump over the gap in the bridges but was not successful and fell 40-50 feet onto the ground below.

Beaumont Fire Department and Beaumont EMS responded to the scene. The Toyota driver, Pierre Moise Patin, 52, of Lake Charles, succumbed to his injuries from the fall. Orange County Justice of the Peace David Peck was contacted and pronounced Mr. Patin deceased at the scene.

Shavers Transport Company responded to the scene and transported the victim to Vidor Memorial Funeral Home until funeral arrangements can be made.