Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez provided an update Tuesday afternoon following a deadly crash on Interstate 10 East Freeway near the Monmouth exit, outbound toward Baytown.
According to Sheriff Gonzalez, preliminary information indicates a white Jeep Wrangler was traveling eastbound when it was struck from behind by a Ford Explorer. The Explorer was occupied by an adult male driver and an adult female passenger.
Investigators believe the Ford Explorer was traveling at a high rate of speed and being driven recklessly before striking the rear of the Jeep. The Jeep continued forward, and its driver was able to maintain control.
The Ford Explorer struck a barrier and went down an embankment. Both the male driver and female passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released.
The Jeep’s driver reportedly sustained possible minor injuries and was expected to be evaluated at a nearby hospital.
Sheriff Gonzalez emphasized that the information remains preliminary and the crash is under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences was also responding to assist with the investigation.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Eastbound I-10 experienced major closures following the crash. Sheriff Gonzalez said officials hoped to reopen a couple of eastbound lanes within approximately an hour, with a full reopening expected to take around two hours from the briefing. The I-10 East Freeway feeder road remained open, although traffic was moving slowly. Westbound lanes were not affected at the time of the briefing.
Drivers traveling toward Baytown should expect delays and consider alternate routes while crews complete their work. Reopening estimates are subject to change.
Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the two people who lost their lives.
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