Driver dies in fiery car crash on I-45 near Airtex Road after being rear-ended, HCSO says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An investigation is underway after a driver with a flat tire died after being rear-ended and trapped in a car fire on the North Freeway on Friday evening, the sheriff's office said.

The crash happened at about 9 p.m. on Airtex Road in the northbound lanes of I-45.
[Ads /]
Units with the Harris County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene and discovered two vehicles that crashed.



A preliminary investigation found the driver operating a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria had a flat tire and was moving slowly in the far left lane before being rear-ended by a man driving a 2006 Honda Accord.

Officials said the 50-year-old man driving the Accord had his 4-year-old grandson in the backseat.



HCSO said the impact caused the Ford to spin counter-clockwise several times and create sparks that ignited into flames, trapping the driver.
[Ads /]
EMS arrived on the scene and pronounced the Ford's driver dead.

All northbound lanes near Airtex were closed until 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

The 50-year-old man and his grandson were transported to Memorial Hermann with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials said the 50-year-old showed no signs of intoxication.

This incident remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff's Office Vehicular Crimes Division.