18-Wheeler Accident Today: A deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler shut down part of Houston’s Eastex Freeway on Sunday afternoon as police launched an investigation into the collision that claimed two lives.
According to the Houston Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. on July 12 in the 15400 block of the Eastex Freeway (U.S. Highway 59). Investigators said a southbound SUV was attempting to exit the freeway when it collided with a Freightliner Cascadia 18-wheeler. After the impact, the SUV lost control, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire.
The driver and a passenger inside the SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. A third passenger was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities said the 40-year-old driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured, remained at the scene, and showed no signs of impairment during the investigation.
The crash forced the closure of all southbound lanes for several hours, creating significant traffic delays while emergency crews extinguished the vehicle fire, cleared the wreckage, and documented the scene. Motorists were urged to seek alternate routes until the freeway reopened.
The identities of the two victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families. The Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal 18-wheeler accident, and additional information is expected as the investigation progresses.