Big Rig Driver Killed After Plunging Off Loop 610: Cops

HOUSTON — A semi-truck driver was killed when his big rig plunged off Loop 610 East near the Houston Ship Channel and crashed onto a metal building below, police said. The crash happened at about 8:25 a.m. in the 400 block of Concrete Lane and the Loop.

According to Assistant Chief Patty Cantu, the driver of the big rig was traveling on Loop 610 when he was cut off by a small compact car.

The driver of the semi-truck swerved to avoid the car and crashed through the guard railing and fell 150 feet onto a metal structure below.

Cantu said the driver of the big rig, which was not hauling hazardous material, was still alive and trapped inside the cab. Shortly afterwards, police said the driver was pronounced dead.

Update: Sad news: the driver of the 18-wheeler has been pronounced deceased. #hounews
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 3, 2019

However, during the rescue efforts, the driver of the big rig died of his injuries. His identity has not yet been released.

The driver of the compact car that witnesses said cut off the big rig has been detained for questioning, Cantu said.

The crash has caused delays on Loop 610 east and west near the Houston Ship Channel, and police are advising motorists to detour to U.S. 90 or use the Washburn Tunnel.

This is the second crash involving an 18-wheeler in less than a week. On June 27, a semi-truck swerved to avoid a disabled car on Interstate 10, and crashed through the guard railing and into the San Jacinto River. The driver, later identified as Steve Martinez of San Antonio, was killed.

This is a developing story.

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