1 in critical condition, 1 hospitalized after 18-wheeler crashes into power lines, authorities say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two drivers were hospitalized after a fierce crash on the south side of Houston that also left a neighborhood without electricity.

Law enforcement officials say an 18-wheeler crashed heading east on the South Beltway service road tried to avoid a small silver car that allegedly ran the red light. The semi-truck ended up hitting the car anyway, and then slamming into a power line near the S. Sam Houston Tollway on Friday afternoon.

SkyEye flew over the area to survey the extent of the crash. The truck is seen on the grassy median with significant damage to the front of the tractor's portion.

"The truck driver, I had to drag him out," Calvin Russell, an electrician who was working nearby with his brother, said.

Both men say it was clear the driver of the silver car was more seriously injured. He was transported in critical condition.

Nearby businesses were immediately plunged into darkness after the crash.

"When we were working the lights, they flickered. They went off. Then I walked down there and saw the tragedy, Roderick Brown, a barber at a nearby strip center, said. "It was bad. They were resuscitating the person, then they took them away. I hope they're okay."

Other businesses just propped open their doors and had handwritten signs that said, "Cash Only," in an effort to retain some business.

The South Beltway traffic was not affected by the accident. The investigation is being handled by Precinct 7 Deputy Constables Office.

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