It happened on the northbound lanes of I-45 near Highway 146 at around noon. According to investigators, Jesse Galicia, 23, of Texas City, was traveling with his four children -- ages seven months, and two, three and five years old. The father said he was having trouble steering his 2009 Chevy Trailblazer when it went off the freeway, rolling several times.
The three-year-old and five-year-old were both ejected. The three-year-old died at the hospital. The five-year-old is hospitalized, suffering from head trauma. Authorities say the two-year-old suffered a broken neck and is also hospitalized.
Three booster seats were in the vehicle, but it's not clear they were in use or if the children were properly restrained in them. The youngest child was buckled into a car seat, authorities say, and was unharmed. A grandmother took custody of the baby.
The sheriff's office says Galicia declined medical treatment. He was taken into custody, as officials say narcotics were found in and around the vehicle and he is suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence of unknown substance. Although this is an active investigation, charges are expected.
