HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities continue investigating the cause of a fatal 18-wheeler crash that caused a load of empty beer cans to spill on the road.
According to Harris County deputies, the 18-wheeler was headed southbound on I-45 north near Richey Road when it suddenly left the roadway.
The driver crashed into the guardrail, a grassy area and into a tree. Authorities say the impact sheared open the tractor portion of the 18-wheeler, spilling out empty Bud Light beer cans.
@HCSOTexas units are at a major crash involving an 18-wheeler that jackknifed and the driver was ejected from the cab. The driver was confirmed deceased at the scene. Southbound main lanes & feeder road of North Fwy (16500 blk) are shutdown north of N. Vista. #HouNews #HouTraffic
At the time of the crash, authorities say the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the cab. He ended up face down on the freeway and suffered apparent trauma to the body, broken bones and facial injuries, according to deputies.
A witness at the scene told authorities he heard a portion of the crash before the 18-wheeler went off the road.
It’s unclear if that sound was a tire or malfunction.
Expect delays and seek alternate routes. Scene investigation by @HCSOTexas will require about 1.5 hours and then cleanup will require several trucks. Hazmat has been requested for possible diesel spill. Two inside s/b lanes have been open. #HouNews #HouTraffic https://twitter.com/sheriffed_hcso/status/1219933859711717376 …
Ed Gonzalez✔@SheriffEd_HCSO
@HCSOTexas units are at a major crash involving an 18-wheeler that jackknifed and the driver was ejected from the cab. The driver was confirmed deceased at the scene. Southbound main lanes & feeder road of North Fwy (16500 blk) are shutdown north of N. Vista. #HouNews #HouTraffic
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