THREE RIVERS – Mildred Estep walked out of her home at 3794 U.S. Highway 281 about 8:30 a.m., thinking she was going to get to work early Wednesday, Nov. 28, but a white extended cab pickup changed all that.

The Chevrolet pickup with two men had come from the highway in the northbound lanes and traveled about 100 yards into Estep’s yard, hitting an ash tree before coming to rest.

Estep said she took a hammer and tried to get the driver out, but it was too jammed. So she called 911 and told authorities the JAWS of life would be needed.

The driver, believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, was traveling at a high rate of speed and knocked over a utility pole, went through a Swire Oil Field Services fence, skinned a mesquite tree and then hit the ash tree, according to Estep, who lives at the residence with her husband Buford.

The speed limit on U.S Highway 281 is 70 mph.

The two men were on their way to San Antonio from Alice.

The driver and his passenger had to be cut out of the pickup. Both had injuries and were transported by Acadian Ambulance Service.

Estep said the driver was complaining about his leg hurting.

The passenger appeared to be all right.

“There was a lot of damage to the new fence at Swire’s. Mostly, mine was just yard ruts,” Estep said.

The ruts measured about 6 inches and led right up to the ash tree. The pickup had dragged chain link fence, and the utility pole, which was in pieces into Estep’s yard.

“I’m thankful. It could have hit the house,” Estep said.

The pickup missed Estep’s house by about 15 to 20 feet.

The volunteer fire departments from Three Rivers and George West were on the scene, as well as the Three Rivers Police Department, the Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.