A man was killed Thursday evening in a violent single-vehicle crash along East Orem Drive, after his SUV veered off the road and slammed into a tree, according to Houston authorities. Police and fire crews rushed to the 7400 block, where emergency personnel found the driver and pronounced him dead at the scene, and officers shut down lanes while they worked the wreck.
What Happened
As reported by MyTexasDaily, a white Kia Sorento heading westbound on East Orem lost control at about 5:40 p.m. The SUV struck an elevated manhole cover in the 7400 block, then continued on to hit a tree.
Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced the male driver dead at the scene. Police said he was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. No other vehicles or people were involved, according to investigators.
Investigation Under Way
The case has been assigned to the Houston Police Department's Vehicular Crimes Division, which handles traffic fatalities and other serious roadway collisions. The driver's identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released once the driver's identity is confirmed and all scene evidence is reviewed.
East Orem's Safety Record
East Orem Drive has seen its share of serious crashes over the years and is listed as a high-crash corridor in the city's Southeast Mobility Plan. Local reporting on previous fatal crashes on Orem has highlighted long-standing concerns about safety along the stretch.
In response to the broader collision history, city planners and traffic engineers have recommended targeted roadway changes aimed at reducing speeds and cutting down on crashes along the corridor.
How To Help
Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant video or photos to contact HPD. The department's phone directory lists non-emergency and public-affairs contacts for tips and follow-up information.
Tips can also be shared anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or online through Crime Stoppers. Officials say community input could help them piece together exactly what led up to the deadly crash.
This story will be updated as police and county officials release more details on the driver's identity and the cause of the wreck. Reporters have reached out to HPD for additional comment.
