A fatal collision between an SUV and an 18-wheeler occurred on February 14, 2023, on I-45 North Freeway in Harris County. The SUV driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The traffic on the Northbound lanes was stopped.
Harrison County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, Ed Gonzales, stated that the accident occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 2:30 am. on the outbound lanes of Interstate 45 near the merge with the Hardy Toll Road, heading into The Woodlands in northern Harrison County. Traffic on this section was stopped and diverted off at exit 72.
According to police investigators, the SUV rear-ended the flatbed trailer hooked by the 18-wheeler and it got stuck and was pulled along the road. The truck towed the SUV for a long stretch of the road until they eventually separated. One vehicle went to the left after the separation, and the other to the right. The SUV hit the sidewall after breaking free from the 18-wheeler.
Investigators on the scene suspect that the driver was speeding. That speed and lack of attention were probably the cause of the crash.
As a result of the collision and hitting the side wall, the SUV started to burn. The SUV driver was unable to exit the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other vehicle’s driver stopped the vehicle after the collision and remained at the scene. He was not injured in the accident. Police officers stated that the driver of the 18-wheeler was cooperating with the police.
Police investigators need to determine what caused this accident. The investigation will answer questions about whether the driver of the SUV was tired or intoxicated.
Investigators on the scene did not want to release the identities of the drivers of the 18-wheeler and SUV. The investigation is still ongoing.
Southbound/inbound lines of I-45 are open for traffic. North is closed and drivers are advised to avoid this area.
