July 21, 2017 - Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 13800 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) at about 3:10 a.m. today (July 21).

The identity of the female victim, 37, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant E. Fendia and Officer A. Holmes reported:

The drivers of a black Volkswagen CC and a Ford 477 18-wheeler hauling a tractor-trailer were traveling southbound on the Gulf Freeway when the driver of the Volkswagen made an unsafe lane change and struck the 18-wheeler.  Both vehicles swerved across the freeway and the 18-wheeler struck the concrete dividing barrier between the southbound lanes and the HOV lane.  The force of the impact caused the 18-wheeler to roll over and ride on top of the dividing barrier.  The impact caused the trailer the 18-wheeler was hauling to be pushed on top of the cab of the 18-wheeler.  The victim, a passenger in the 18-wheeler, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the 18-wheeler was transported to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital for treatment. 

The Volkswagen also spun around facing northbound in the southbound lanes and also struck the dividing barrier.  The male driver of the Volkswagen was not injured.

The investigation is continuing with no charges filed at this time.