3-year-old in critical condition after family riding in Uber was involved in crash, HPD says

In Houston, Texas (KTRK), a 3-year-old girl is in critical condition, and her father is injured following a collision involving the Uber they were riding in, potentially triggered by a chase.

Houston police reported that a possible drunk driver attempted to flee after colliding with an Uber near the I-45 North Freeway and West Road on Sunday night. The Uber carried a family of three: the mother, father, and their 3-year-old daughter.

According to HPD, a white F-350 pickup truck and a white minivan, which was operating as an Uber, collided near the intersection of Gulf Bank at Sweet Water Road in north Houston Sunday evening around 8:15 p.m.

After the collision, the van allegedly attempted to block the F-350 truck, but the truck driver fled, heading north on the North Freeway. The Uber driver pursued the truck.

Surveillance footage obtained by showed the F-350 making a hasty U-turn, hitting a column and curb before heading south on the North Freeway. Meanwhile, due to excessive speed, the minivan crashed into the traffic control box, according to police.

Although the truck driver initially evaded capture, they were eventually apprehended and brought back to the scene. Police noted that the driver displayed signs of potential intoxication.

Cmdr. Michael Chaney stated, “They were somehow following each other, I don’t want to say pursuing, but they were somehow following and it seemed like the white van was either trying to maintain visual of him or something, not sure.”

Uber responded to inquiries, stating, “Road safety is a critical focus for us. We have removed the driver’s access to the platform while this investigation is ongoing and will assist police however we can.”

As of now, neither the Uber driver nor the F-350 driver has been charged. Houston police, in consultation with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, concluded that further investigation was necessary to determine responsibility. Both drivers could potentially face charges, but it’s premature to reach a conclusion.