HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – One person is dead, and two people were critically hurt after a rollover crash shut down a portion of I-10 in Chambers County on Thursday morning, according to officials.
DPS has identified the victim as a 75-year-old man from Louisiana. At least seven others had what are being described as non-life-threatening injuries. In total, 10 vehicles were involved.
DPS said the crash occurred around 8 a.m. on Thursday, when multiple vehicles slowed or stopped due to an existing crash.
Officials said the driver of the big rig, a 48-year-old man, wasn’t able to control the truck, rear-ended a vehicle, and caused a chain reaction.
A family member later that day drove from Louisiana to the scene, telling ABC13 their loved one was driving the big rig. In a video shot by Eyewitness News, you see the family embracing that man. The family said he is ok.
ABC13 also learned this part of I-10 was included in a recent speed limit increase. TxDOT confirmed just last week that they updated signage, increasing the speed limit from 65 to 75 miles per hour.
TxDOT said the change was made to keep a consistent speed along I-10 because unexpected speed changes can lead to unpredictable driving behavior.
Using TxDOT data, Eyewitness News has learned there were 44 crashes along this stretch of I-10 last year - the highest number in the past five years.
The big rig was carrying oil and caused a hazmat spill, adding another element to the busy scene. DPS said Chambers County and the big rig company sent out hazmat teams who contained and cleaned up the spill before it posed any threat to the public.
The crash also caused hours of traffic backups that stretched for miles, with both east- and westbound lanes of I-10 shut down and only the feeder roads offering a little relief.
DPS says the crash investigation is ongoing. So far, there is no word on whether anyone will face charges in this crash.