November 19, 2012 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident at 400 Aldine Bender about 3:50 a.m. on Sunday (Nov. 18).

The identity of the male victim, 21, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

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

Houston Fire Department firetruck/pumper #74 was returning from a call and carefully backing into Station 74's parking lot, with its emergency red lights activated.  A citizen (witness) driving east on Aldine Bender saw the firetruck slowly backing into the parking lot with its flashing red lights on, so she stopped several hundred feet back and waited for the firetruck to clear the roadway.  At that time, the witness saw a white Mitsubishi Galant drive by her at a high rate of speed and strike the left side of the firetruck, pushing the fully loaded firetruck several feet to the side.  Evidence at the scene indicated the driver of the Mitsubishi made no attempt to slow down or stop prior to striking the firetruck.  HFD personnel quickly pulled the driver from the vehicle and administered aid, but the male was pronounced dead at the scene.  No one in the firetruck was injured in the accident.

The investigation is continuing.



JFC/KJS   11-19-12