A fatal car crash in northeast Houston has led to the death of a man and a significant gas leak early Friday morning, prompting evacuations and safety measures. According to Click2Houston, the collision occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. in the 5000 block of Hartwick, where the driver lost control at a high speed and struck multiple objects, including a cable vehicle and a gas main.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has reported that the male driver, who was traveling westbound, hit a mailbox and power pole before the final impact with the gas main. This series of collisions resulted in a dangerous leak, leading CenterPoint Energy to respond to the incident with urgency to secure the area. The driver, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, and residents, startled by the scent of gas, were cautioned to stay indoors or evacuate for safety. The HCSO posted a traffic advisory for the surrounding locations, acknowledging the presence of Vehicular Crimes Division investigators on the site.
HCSO units responded to a Major Crash, 5000 blk Hartwick Rd. Preliminary Info: X1 Vehicle crashed into ditch & X1 fatality. Vehicular Crimes Division investigators enroute. Traffic Advisory for 5000 blk of Hartwick Rd. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/xrnaFQGsDJ
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) June 28, 2024
The gas leak produced not only a tangible danger but a smell that permeated the early morning air, strong enough to lead some of the neighborhood's inhabitants to seek safer grounds. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, along with other local authorities, assisted those who chose to evacuate. CenterPoint Energy's efforts are currently ongoing to remedy the gas leak and restore safety to the affected community.
As investigations are still underway, the cause of the high-speed crash remains under direct scrutiny. Officials have not yet released any further information concerning potential infractions or contributing factors that led to the crash.
