A Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy was struck by a vehicle while investigating an accident on the East Freeway last night, according to official reports from X. The incident occurred in the eastbound mainlanes of the 16400 block of the East Fwy. Preliminary details suggest that a driver behind the wheel of a large work truck hit the patrol car and barreled through the crash scene while the deputy and two other individuals were standing outside their vehicles.
Happening Now: @HCSOTexas deputy while investigating a crash at 16400 East Fwy, e/b
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 11, 2024
mainlanes, may have been struck by a vehicle. Other persons may have been struck also. Deputy is being transported by Lifeflight. Info is preliminary.#HouNews pic.twitter.com/aKidOWa4In
Following the collision, the deputy was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The Sheriff's Office stated that one other person involved in the initial crash scene was also transported by ambulance, alongside the deputy, while a third individual was taken to a different hospital by Lifeflight. The transport of all three individuals required the closure of the eastbound/outbound traffic, with diversions set up via Sheldon feeder road.
As per the updates provided by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the deputy and one other person are presently in serious condition at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The third person, taken to a separate medical facility, is reportedly in fair condition. Despite the severity of the incident, all three are expected to survive their injuries. A media briefing concerning the event has been scheduled to take place outside the hospital.
The exact cause of the accident and the sequence of events leading up to it are currently under scrutiny. The freeway remained closed for hours as the investigators and emergency crews worked at the scene, creating significant traffic delays. Drivers were advised to look for alternate commuting routes to avoid the investigation area, and authorities pledged to provide updates as more details become available.
