A 23-year-old Houston man was killed Tuesday afternoon in a violent two-vehicle collision on State Highway 21, just east of Strawther Road near North Zulch in Madison County. The victim, identified as Mujeeb Kharoti, was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash shut down part of the rural highway and drew both volunteer and county rescue crews to the area.
According to the Madisonville Meteor, the Texas Department of Public Safety said the wreck happened around 4:40 p.m., when a 2021 Toyota Corolla crossed into the westbound lane and hit a 2019 Nissan Rogue head-on. DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz told the outlet the Corolla was traveling at an unsafe speed for the wet roadway and may have hydroplaned. One person in the Rogue was taken to St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital with suspected fractures.
First Responders Rushed In
Local agencies, including the North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department and Madisonville Fire/Rescue, responded to the scene, and traffic on Highway 21 was funneled into a single lane while emergency crews worked the crash. A photo published with early coverage of the incident was credited to the North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department.
Conditions were so slick that a Madisonville police officer driving to the crash site also hydroplaned and wrecked a patrol vehicle. The officer was taken for evaluation, and officials said the officer was in OK condition, details that were reported by the Madisonville Meteor.
Why Hydroplaning Turns Bad Roads Treacherous
Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tires and the pavement, which can cause a sudden loss of traction and control, the AAA warns. Experts say slowing down, avoiding cruise control and keeping tires and windshield wipers in good condition are among the most effective ways to cut the risk on wet roads.
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the crash. Authorities have not released further details about the investigation or any potential citations, and we will update this story when officials provide more information.
