May 7, 2012 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident at 10500 Northwest Freeway (U.S. Highway 290) about 8:50 a.m. on Sunday (May 6).

The identity of the male victim is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant K. Shaw and Officer L. Ho reported:

The victim was driving a black GMC Sierra pickup truck inbound on Highway 290 and attempted to take the Mangum Road exit at the last second.  Instead, the pickup truck struck the barricade and went backwards into the mainlanes of the freeway where it was struck by a Toyota Avalon.  At that time, the right rear wheel of the pickup truck broke off and bounced into the mainlanes and struck two other vehicles, causing minor damage to the cars.  The pickup truck then caught fire with the victim trapped inside.  Paramedics were called and pronounced the driver dead at the scene.

No other drivers were injured in the accident.



JFC/KJS     5-7-12
Inc #057456012-Y