It happened some time before 5 a.m. on the freeway near West Bellfort.
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A vehicle was headed north in the southbound lanes of the freeway when it clipped an oncoming18-wheeler, according to Houston police.
The 18-wheeler lost control, went off the freeway and plunged over a barrier wall and onto the feeder road below.
The fire and smoke could be seen for several miles right after it ignited.
Two other vehicles were also involved, police said. Someone in one of those vehicles tried to save the wrong-way driver, but wasn't successful, police said.
Traffic was halted on the freeway and feeder road. The full closure of the main lanes lasted for more than eight hours.
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The driver of the 18-wheeler and the wrong-way vehicle both died at the scene.
Fiery crash closes Southwest Freeway near Bellfort
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