February 2, 2012 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in the 10300 block of the Northwest Freeway (East U.S. Highway 290) about 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday (Feb. 1).

The male victim, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant R. Gonzales and Officer C. Lofland reported:

The driver of a blue Ford Taurus was traveling eastbound on the Northwest Freeway at a high rate of speed, attempted to change lanes and struck the front left corner of a blue Dodge pickup truck. The Ford then lost control, slid across the freeway and struck a second Dodge pickup truck stopped due to traffic. The impact then caused the Dodge to strike the rear of a Toyota Tondra pickup truck. Debris from the second collision struck a white NIssan Juke. The driver of the Taurus died at the scene. The driver of the Dodge in the second collision was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

No charges have been filed at this time as the investigation is continuing.

VHS/JKS 2-2-12
Inc. #013728912-Y