Police say a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and caused a five-vehicle disaster early Sunday morning in southwest Houston, killing three people and critically injuring another.
According to Sgt. Rebecca Dallas of the Houston Police Vehicular Crimes Division, police were dispatched shortly after 1 a.m. to the intersection of Almeda Road and West Orem Drive. According to investigators, a gray Chrysler traveling south on Almeda failed to turn on its headlights and ran a red light, colliding with a white Buick traveling east through a green signal.
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The impact set off a chain reaction, propelling the Buick into three other vehicles that were stopped at the light.
“One of the occupants of the Buick was ejected, and two were pronounced deceased on scene,” according to Sergeant Dallas. “Out of one vehicle, we now have three deceased.”
The third passenger, a woman who was ejected from the Buick, was transported to a local hospital but was later confirmed dead. According to police, the driver of the gray Chrysler was also transported to the hospital in critical condition and is suspected of driving under the influence.
Charges upgraded
Sgt. Dallas stated that investigators determined the driver’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, and the district attorney amended the charges to intoxication manslaughter after arriving on the scene.
“We were able to prove he did run that light and by the witnesses’ statements,” Sgt. Dallas said. “The D.A. did make the scene here and agreed to upgrade those charges.”
Victims and investigation
Police said the two men in the Buick were pronounced dead on the scene, while the female passenger was rushed to the hospital but died. Their identities have not been revealed pending notification of next of kin.
The HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division, DWI Task Force, and district attorney’s office all responded to the crash.
‘There’s no excuse’
Sgt. Dallas underlined the necessity of making plans before going out to drink:
“We ask this day in time — there’s plenty of rideshares that are available. Please make sure if you think that you’re going to go out and party, that you make sure you have a safe ride home to keep us safe on our streets.”
According to police, the suspect remains in critical condition in the hospital as the investigation is ongoing.
