3-year-old boy dies in early-morning crash in northeast Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A child died after his mother lost control of her vehicle and hit a utility pole along Little York near Homestead Monday morning, police said.

Lawrence Godfrey saw the wreck happen from nearby. He ran to help along with two other witnesses. He said they pulled three other children out, saving a 6-month-old, 7-year-old and 9-year-old, but added that they couldn't see the 3-year-old boy pinned under the wreckage. He was pulled out by firefighters and later pronounced dead.

"I prayed to God to give us the strength to help these kids," Godfrey said.

Police said it is likely the Dodge Caliber was speeding when it ran a red light and lost control.

The last to be pulled out was the mother. Firefighters rescued her, and she appeared to be conscious and moving at the time.

"Just a sad day. Drivers need to take heed or slow down, especially when the roads are slick and wet. Please slow down and be safe," HPD Lt. Joslyn Johnson said.

It was an en emotional situation for everyone, including Godfrey, who was thinking of his own kids.

"Once we started touching the car and the car wasn't hot, we just sprung into action," he said. "You want someone to do that for your kids."

The district attorney's office is investigating to determine whether charges are warranted.

No names have been released at this time. The other children's injuries are not life-threatening, police said.