Crime & Safety
Katy Freeway Reopens After 18-Wheeler Loses Shipping Container
Three lanes were closed for hours; driver of truck was cited for accident.
HOUSTON, TX — If you were driving eastbound on the Katy Freeway near Houston Avenue earlier today, you were likely one of the unlucky people stuck in the giant traffic jam caused by a stranded shipping container.
Around 6:45 a.m. the container fell off the truck carrying it when it struck the Houston Avenue Bridge. The bridge's clearance height is 14 feet 3 inches, as reported by KOU.
According to Houston Police Department officials, the container was empty, and though it struck a car when it fell, the driver was unharmed.
Find out what's happening in Galleria-River Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A view from the ground - several lanes closed on Katy Fwy east bound after 18-wheeler hit bridge, lost load. #khou11 pic.twitter.com/OiDFurrnGH
— Lauren Talarico (@KHOULauren) June 26, 2017
The driver of the truck was also unscathed, but he was cited for improper operations.
A third driver ran over a piece of metal that fell off of the bridge, but was not hurt.
Find out what's happening in Galleria-River Oaksfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Texas Department of Transportation inspected the bridge and deemed it safe, and the affected lanes are now open to traffic.
— Image: Shutterstock
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