HOUSTON, TX – A tragic wrong-way crash early Tuesday morning on the North Freeway in Houston has left one man dead and caused significant traffic disruptions. Authorities say a 35-year-old woman, suspected of driving under the influence, was headed southbound in the northbound lanes for approximately 15 minutes before colliding head-on with a silver Jeep.
The impact of the crash was severe, and the man driving the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver responsible for the collision is now facing charges of intoxicated manslaughter. Police received multiple emergency calls about a black F-150 driving the wrong way, which subsequently led to the fatal accident.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as debris scattered across the highway, involving at least two other vehicles. One vehicle hit debris from the crash while another may have collided with the wrong-way driver. The aftermath has left the freeway littered with wreckage, complicating cleanup efforts.
Traffic on the 45 North Freeway has been heavily affected, with commuters from areas like Spring and The Woodlands reporting delays of over two hours. Authorities have been redirecting traffic to feeder roads, though congestion remains substantial. Cleanup crews have been working diligently to clear the highway, but it remains uncertain when the freeway will fully reopen.
A witness at the scene recounted the harrowing moment when the crash occurred, noting the sudden appearance of the wrong-way vehicle and the devastating impact that followed. “I heard a loud motor and saw the reflection of a car,” he said. “It was clear something bad was about to happen.”
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Police urge the public to refrain from driving under the influence, emphasizing the irreversible consequences that can result from such actions.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on safely reopening the freeway and ensuring no further incidents occur. The woman involved in the crash is currently in custody and being processed downtown.
Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time if heading toward the affected area, as the cleanup process is expected to last several more hours. Officials are working to restore normal traffic conditions as soon as possible.