Deadly crash on 290 at Mason Road forces all inbound lanes to shut down

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A passenger's assault on a driver prompted a deadly crash that forced all inbound lanes of Highway 290 to shut down Friday morning, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

The crash on Highway 290 at Mason Road was reported at about 5:20 a.m. in the Cypress area.

Heads up! Your Friday traffic report is urging you to take these alternate routes as crews work to clear a deadly two-vehicle crash on Highway 290.

Gonzalez said the crash happened on the inside lane after a passenger in one of the vehicles involved started assaulting the driver. In that car was the driver and two passengers. The driver stopped the car and all three individuals got out, according to the sheriff.

That's when a truck, also in the inside lane, allegedly hit the rear of the parked vehicle.

The initial vehicle's two passengers, a man and a woman, were also hit by the truck while standing outside, Gonzalez said. They were confirmed dead at the scene by authorities.

The driver of the car was injured but is in fair condition, Gonzalez said. As for the driver of the truck, they were also injured but in fair condition.

The sheriff said there does not appear to be signs of impairment from either driver. It is believed the driver of the car was giving the two passengers a ride to their own vehicle and may have been coming from a college homecoming event.

An investigation is ongoing.