Traffic on U.S. Highway 59 in Richmond turned deadly Thursday night when the driver of an SUV was killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler on the northbound side of the freeway near Crabb River Road, authorities said. The wreck shut down the three right lanes and the Crabb River Road exit while emergency crews worked the scene and tried to untangle a growing backup.
According to FOX 26 Houston, Richmond police said the SUV driver died at the scene. Officials have not released the driver’s identity. The department said an investigation was underway but did not provide details on what led up to the crash.
Click2Houston reported that officers and deputies with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office responded, and that crews were working to clear debris and reopen the blocked lanes as the night wore on.
Storm Watches And Driving Risks
The collision happened while the National Weather Service had dense fog advisories and winter weather watches in effect for parts of southeast Texas, including Fort Bend County. Those alerts warned of reduced visibility and the potential for freezing precipitation in the days ahead, conditions that can turn bridges and ramps into trouble spots for drivers.
Investigation And Traffic Impacts
Richmond police said investigators were still working the scene Thursday night and had not released a cause for the crash. Click2Houston reported that local traffic advisories urged drivers to steer clear of the area if possible and brace for significant delays while crews cleared the roadway and completed their work.
