HOUSTON, Texas — A horrific early morning crash on one of Houston’s busiest freeways left two people dead and brought traffic to a grinding halt for miles on Wednesday.
The crash was first reported around 5 a.m. on I-10 inbound near Eldridge Parkway.
Investigators say an 18-wheeler traveling eastbound struck the driver of a gold Mitsubishi Galant. The force of the impact caused the car to roll over and slide down the freeway.
The 18-wheeler then struck a barrier and tipped over onto its side.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Diesel Spill and Car Fire Made a Bad Situation Worse
The collision did not just kill two people. It also set off a chain reaction that paralyzed the surrounding roadway.
A car fire broke out following the crash, and the overturned 18-wheeler spilled diesel across the freeway, bringing hazmat crews to the scene alongside investigators.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that all inbound lanes near Dairy Ashford were completely shut down while the investigation was underway.
Traffic backed up for miles near Kingsland Boulevard, leaving drivers stuck through the heart of the morning rush.
Aerial footage captured the massive truck lying on its side as emergency crews worked around it. The passenger vehicle involved was spotted farther down the freeway, with severe damage throughout.
Nearly Six Hours Before the Road Reopened
The cleanup took most of the morning.
Crews eventually managed to upright the overturned truck and tow it from the scene. Officials cleared the impacted lanes and restored traffic flow just after lunchtime — nearly six hours after the crash was first reported.
Truck Tied to Small Richmond Trucking Company
The 18-wheeler was traced to Texas Five Star Logistics LLC, a small trucking company based out of Richmond with a fleet of only 10 trucks.
Federal safety records show the company had one other crash on record in the past 24 months, though details on fault or severity were not listed.
The investigation remains open.
Did you get caught in this morning’s backup or witness the crash firsthand? Tell us what you saw in the comments below.
