2 Rusk residents killed in Thursday morning accident
7 others injured in two-car crash on U.S. Highway 84

PHOTOS: TARA CROSBY Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers inspect the scene of a car crash which claimed the lives of two Rusk residents Thursday morning. Killed in the crash were Cherry Grimes, 31, and Trevor "Gauge" Lankford, 5, both of Rusk. Seven others were injured in the crash.

Two people were killed and four were life-flighted as a result of a two car collision on U.S. Highway 84 approximately 5.4 miles east of Rusk, said Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Steven Crosby.

Trooper Crosby said Cherry Grimes, 31, of Rusk, was killed on impact when her 2006 Pontiac G6 collided with a 2001 GMC Yukon driven by Tressie "Maggie" Martin.

He said Mrs. Grimes was traveling east on U.S. 84 when her vehicle left the right side of the pavement.

When she tried to steer back onto the road, Trooper Crosby said Mrs. Grimes lost control of the vehicle, which left the left side of the pavement.

He said when Mrs. Grimes tried to steer back onto the pavement, her vehicle slid sideways on the road until it was struck in the driver's side by Mrs. Martin's GMC Yukon, which was traveling westbound.

First responders prepare a victim of Thursday's crash to be airlifted to a Tyler Hospital. Four people were airlifted as a result of Thursday's crash on U.S. Highway 84 east of Rusk, while three others were transported to area hospitals by Ambulance.

Mrs. Grimes' five-year old son, Trevor "Gauge" Lankford was also killed in the accident.

Mrs. Martin was injured in the crash and was lifeflighted to Tyler, as were two other occupants of her GMC Yukon.

Three other occupants were transported to ETMC by ambulance.

Trooper Crosby said speed was not a factor in the accident. A fund has been established for the Lankford and Grimes families. Donations can be made at the Rusk Volunteer Fire Department or the Rusk Police Department.