Houston Police Department

January 26, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident at 9100 North Loop East about 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 25).

The identity of the victim is pending verification by the Harris County Medical Examiner's office.

HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeants D. Hurd and H.M. Garcia and Officers T.A. Nguyen and R.S. Kessler reported:

According to witnesses, the driver of a tow truck traveling at a high rate of speed on the North Loop struck the rear of a black Honda passenger vehicle creating a chain reaction accident involving five vehicles. After the initial impact, the wrecker landed on the Honda and pushed it into the rear of an 18-wheeler. The 18-wheeler struck the rear of a box truck, which in turn hit the rear of another 18-wheeler. All vehicle involved (other than the wrecker) were stationary at the time of the accident due to heavy traffic caused by an earlier accident on the feeder road of the freeway. It is unclear at this time if the wrecker was responding to the earlier accident.

The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. The wrecker driver that caused the accident was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital with undetermined injuries. A mandatory blood sample was taken from the wrecker driver. There were no other injuries.

The investigation is continuing.

NJM/ JGA 1/26/06
Inc #013564406

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.