HOUSTON — A deadly overnight crash on the Katy Freeway is under investigation after police say a tow truck struck a disabled vehicle, killing the driver.
The crash happened around 11:45 p.m. Monday in the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway, near Studemont, according to Houston police.
Investigators say a red Toyota Camry was disabled in a moving lane of traffic with its hazard lights activated when it was hit from behind by a black Dodge Ram 3500 tow truck. Police said the tow truck driver switched lanes before hitting the disabled vehicle.
The driver of the Toyota, a 33-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene by Houston Fire Department paramedics. His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The tow truck driver, a 26-year-old man, and a passenger were not hurt and remained at the scene, according to officers.
“The wrecker driver and his passenger remain on scene,” HPD Sgt. Dallas said. “There was people on scene that attempted and CPR on the driver of the Toyota. The wrecked driver is been checked for impairment, and at this time, we don’t believe the wrecker driver is impaired.”
Police said the tow truck was heading to another service call when the crash occurred. The driver was questioned and later released.
Whether any charges will be filed will be determined after the investigation is completed and reviewed by the district attorney’s office. The investigation remains ongoing.
Police said the scene was cleared and all westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway reopened just after 5 a.m. Tuesday.
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