18-wheeler plunges 150 feet off Houston bridge; driver dies during rescue attempt
The 24-year-old driver of an 18-wheeler was killed after he was cut off by a car and plunged 150 feet off a bridge in Houston. The truck was heading northbound Wednesday morning at the start of the 610 ship channel bridge at the time, according to CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV.
The driver steered into a barrier and crashed, falling upside down onto an industrial facility below. The trucker initially survived, but was pinned in the wreckage. Police said he later died during a rescue attempt.
Police said the driver of a silver Toyota Camry who allegedly caused the deadly crash stayed at the scene. There were no other injuries reported.
KHOU-TV cites online records that show the facility that was struck is Huntsman International, a chemical manufacturing business. But police said no hazardous chemicals were leaked. The truck was also not carrying toxic substances.
Traffic cameras show part of the bridge's barrier is missing. Police expect the freeway to remain at least partially closed for at least two days.
18-wheeler went off the bridge over the ship channel -- did not land in the water but on a chemical facility below. Air 11 continues to fly over a major crash along the 610 E. Loop. MORE: https://t.co/bIIMPLPB1B #HTownRush #KHOU pic.twitter.com/UWpI9ntoe6
— Doug Delony (@DougDelonyKHOU) July 3, 2019