Hemphill County Highway 60 Reopens: Buddy Shook Airlifted After Serious Pickup-Semi Collision.

Hemphill County Highway 60 Reopens: Buddy Shook Airlifted After Serious Pickup-Semi Collision.

HEMPHILL CO., Texas — Highway 60 west of Miami, Hemphill County, has reopened following a serious crash that left one person critically injured and temporarily shut down the busy roadway. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the collision involved a pickup truck and a semi-truck. Preliminary reports indicate that the pickup truck crossed over the center line for reasons still under investigation, resulting in a near head-on collision with the semi.

The pickup truck driver, identified as 50-year-old Buddy Shook, suffered severe injuries in the crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, and due to the critical nature of his condition, Shook was airlifted to a hospital in Amarillo for specialized medical care. Authorities described his injuries as serious, though further updates on his status have not yet been released.

The semi-truck driver was unharmed in the incident, but the collision prompted the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office to temporarily close Highway 60. This closure allowed emergency personnel to safely secure the scene and coordinate the landing of the medical helicopter. During this time, residents and motorists were urged to avoid the area until authorities cleared the roadway.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the cause of the pickup truck crossing the center line. Law enforcement has appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision or has information to come forward. As traffic resumes and the community reflects on the incident, officials emphasize the importance of roadway safety, especially on rural highways where accidents can escalate rapidly.