One Killed in Houston Two-Vehicle Crash on East Freeway; 16-Year-Old Facing Charges

Houston, Texas – One person was killed and several others were injured Wednesday night in a wrong-way crash in Houston, according to the police.

The fatal crash happened just before 9:00 p.m., January 31, on the East Freeway.

Police said they were chasing a silver Kia Rio that was presumed stolen. The vehicle traveled westbound on Ruiz Street, and turned onto the Eastex Freeway exit ramp before entering the main freeway lanes, heading in the wrong direction. The officers terminated the pursuit when the driver entered the freeway going the wrong way. The Rio ended up colliding into a Kia Forte while driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of the freeway.

The Kia Forte driver, a 51-year-old, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The Rio driver, a 16-year-old, and four of his passengers, believed to be ages 14 to 16, were taken to the hospital for treatment. A female who was among the passengers in the Rio was killed in the crash.

The 16-year-old will be referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and felony evading arrest in a motor vehicle.

The crash closed the freeway for several hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

To speak with an attorney Click to call: 281-943-5555.