Driver killed in possible racing crash that split car in half

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- At least one person is dead following a crash that ended in a car being sawed in half when it hit a tree in southwest Houston.

A witness at the scene told police two vehicles were speeding down Hillcroft Street on Tuesday around 7 p.m.

According to police, the driver of a Honda Civic was headed northbound on Hillcroft from W. Bellfort. Police say the driver was speeding when he or she lost control and crashed into a tree, which then went up in flames.

"It's one of the worst vehicle damage I've seen in a long time. It appears the vehicle was split in half all the way, almost to the back bumper," HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said.

People who live along Hillcroft ran outside of their homes when they heard the sound of the impact.

"We heard pounding like a box truck had hit a pothole twice and then we heard one final 'bam.' Then, we saw the glow of the fire through our front living room window," Leigh Kaiser said.

Several people brought out fire extinguishers and water hoses trying to contain the flames until the fire department arrived.

"I lost my favorite cousin, my best friend, to this type of incident," Kaiser said. "I just want to say this is not 'Fast and Furious.' This is not a game. This is not a sport. This is your life. Don't race."

Police believe the driver may have been racing another vehicle at the time or one was chasing another. Investigators are still working to figure out how fast the drivers were going.

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