Update 8:30 p.m.
KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — An 18-wheeler carrying furniture was left hanging over the side of the eastbound Katy Freeway after colliding with another tractor-trailer Thursday morning, sending two people to the hospital with minor injuries and closing the freeway for several hours.
The crash was reported at 10:44 a.m. near the Grand Parkway interchange. Eastbound lanes were closed from the interchange to Pin Oak Road while emergency crews rescued the occupants, contained a diesel fuel leak and worked to remove the damaged truck from the elevated freeway.
"We had a couple occupants that were transported, but luckily both occupants suffered minor injuries," HCESD 48 Chief Deacon Tittel said during a news conference at the scene.
The two occupants of the truck that went over the side of the freeway were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Tittel said the truck that went over the side of the freeway was carrying furniture. The only hazardous material involved in the crash was diesel fuel leaking from one of the trucks, while the cargo itself was not considered hazardous.
Asked why the freeway remained completely closed during the response, Tittel said protecting emergency personnel was the top priority.
"We do have a complete close for the safety of all first responders as well as the cleanup process now," he said.
Tittel said crews were focused on safely removing the wreckage and reopening the interstate as quickly as possible.
"The challenging part right now is just getting it cleaned up so we can open up the freeway and get it done before any longer than what it has to be closed for," he said. "Other than that, safety is the number one concern that we have."
Other agencies assisting at the scene included the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Transportation, Harris County HazMat, Harris County Pollution Control, the Community Volunteer Fire Department, HCESD 48 Rehab 3, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office and heavy-duty recovery crews.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of the crash. Tittel declined to speculate on what led to the collision, saying the investigation is being handled by sheriff's deputies.
Despite the dramatic scene, Tittel said first responders were grateful the crash did not end in tragedy.
"There could have definitely been a very serious accident that could have been a lot worse than what it was," he said. "Fortunately, we had only minor injuries today."
By late afternoon, most eastbound lanes had reopened, although traffic continued moving slowly through the area as cleanup crews finished their work, according to Houston TranStar.
Support local journalism
From breaking news and public safety to local government, business and community events, Covering Katy provides independent reporting focused on the stories that matter to Katy-area residents. If you value timely, in-depth local journalism, please consider becoming a subscriber. Subscriber support helps fund our reporting and allows us to continue covering the communities we serve independently, without government funding or special-interest backing. SUBSCRIBE HERE
See photos and video below.
1 of 6
Sherrel Rogers
This cab of truck number 2 was damaged in the wreck.
2 of 6
Sherrel Rogers
Workers had to remove this part of an 18-wheeler from eastbound I-10.
3 of 6
Sherrel Rogers
The drivers in the cab of truck number 1 suffered minor injuries.
4 of 6
TranStar
The eastbound Katy Freeway at the Grand Parkway interchange was closed Thursday following a three-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler.
5 of 6
Sherrel Rogers
Traffic at Cobia and the I-10 eastbound access road was heavy following the wreck.
6 of 6
Sherrel Rogers
Moving the cones to guide traffic near the wreck site.