Fatal wreck shuts down Gulf Freeway

HOUSTON The accident happened at about 1:15pm on I-45 at the intersection of Highway 146/Highway 6. According to DPS, three vehicles were all traveling southbound on I-45 when the 19-year-old driver of a Ford Explorer reportedly made an unsafe lane change, clipping the back of a Nissan Altima. The Altima rolled several times, ejecting two people in the car. The Explorer then spun out, striking a third vehicle.

Authorities say Barbara Geiger, 20, of New Caney died shortly after arriving at UTMB. They say she was not wearing a seat belt. It's unclear which vehicle Geiger had been in.

Also injured in the wreck were the driver of the Explorer, identified as Tommie Bennight, 19, of New Caney, Shelby Martin, 10, of Porter, and Devin Booth, 21, of Humble. The initial report makes no mention of speed or alcohol, but cites the unsafe lane change. It's not known if Bennight was issued a citation in the wreck.

The traffic backup on the Gulf Freeway was considerable as the freeway remained shut down for hours.