Commuters in Houston faced significant delays earlier today as a deadly crash prompted the closure of all westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway inside the 610 West Loop. The crash, involving a stationary Texas Department of Transportation truck, a Mazda 3, and another vehicle, occurred just before 3:30 a.m. near Washington Avenue/Westcott Street, Click2Houston reports.
The collision claimed the lives of two individuals: a woman estimated to be between 46 and 48 years old, and a juvenile girl between 8 and 10 years old. The victims were in a sedan that was parked on the shoulder of the freeway for reasons not immediately clear. According to Click2Houston, "the passenger of the Mazda 3 was transported to the hospital for evaluation, while the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators."
Furthermore, a TxDOT worker was also injured during the incident but is expected to recover. Traffic has been diverted at Washington Avenue as investigations by HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division continue, with the westbound lanes of I-10 remaining inaccessible. KHOU reports that drivers are recommended to seek alternative routes such as Memorial Drive, Washington Avenue, or Allen Parkway to navigate around the closure, though these routes may also experience an increase in traffic volume.
Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes while the investigation into the incident continues, with further details to be released by authorities, according to KHOU.
