HCSO: Wrong way driver on I-45 causes fatal crash

Harris County Sheriff's Office says that a driver was heading northbound on I-45 southbound when they crashed into a red car.

The driver's car then spun in a circle and caught fire at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, according to authorities. The driver died at the scene.

Two tow truck drivers were working nearby and heard the crash.

"We heard the wreck right there and as soon as we heard it, we saw it spinning out and it went up in flames," said Josh Alfaro.

Deputies are unable to identify the man due to the extent of the damage caused by the crash. The driver was driving an either gold or silver Nissan Pathfinder. If you have any information you're asked to call Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-221-6000.

Deputies said the wrong-way driver got on the highway at Richey and headed north in the southbound lanes. About a mile away, he crashed into another car.

Deputies said they see a lot of crashes on Sunday mornings. They have some advice for drivers if they see a wrong-way driver.

"Use a good defensive driving strategy. Keep your head on a swivel. Be aware of your surroundings, if you see anything unusual, slow, brake, get off to the side try to avoid any type of collision," said Accident Investigator Leo Anders of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

The driver of the red car was taken to the hospital by Life Flight and is expected to survive.

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