Three lives were tragically ended and another individual critically injured in southwest Houston early yesterday when a driver suspected to be under the influence ran through a red light, setting off a five-vehicle collision. According to KHOU, the incident occurred at the intersection of Almeda Road and West Orem Drive, with the Houston Police Vehicular Crimes Division responding to the scene after 1 a.m.
Investigators report that a gray Chrysler sedan, heading south on Almeda without headlights, collided with a white Buick moving through the intersection on a green light. The force of the crash pushed the Buick into three other waiting vehicles. "One of the occupants of the Buick was ejected and two were pronounced deceased on scene," Sgt. Rebecca Dallas stated, as obtained by KHOU. The third passenger, a woman, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The crash not only took three lives but also led to the driver of the gray Chrysler being hospitalized in critical condition. Evidence from the scene and witness statements have led to the upgrading of charges against the driver, as confirmed by Sgt. Dallas and supported by the district attorney. Furthermore, ABC13 reports that the driver was charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station is being leveraged in the ongoing investigation. In the wake of the tragedy, officials have made a public plea for responsibility when drinking: "Please make sure if you think that you're going to go out and party, that you make sure you have a safe ride home to keep us safe on our streets," Sgt. Dallas emphasized, as told to KHOU. The victims in the Buick have not been identified publicly, pending notification of next of kin.
In emotional remarks, Laquita Washington, a survivor from one of the impacted vehicles, shared her profound relief and sorrow with ABC13, "It happened so fast that I didn't even know what was happening. Now all I can do is thank God, honestly," she reflected. The intersection where this senseless event unfolded was closed for hours as the HPD undertook their meticulous investigation.
