Two 18-year-olds, a boy and a girl, were pronounced dead at the scene. A passerby managed to rescue the driver from the burning truck.
HOUSTON — Houston police are investigating after two 18-year-olds were killed in a fiery crash on the South Loop early Saturday morning.
The crash happened shortly after 2 a.m. on the South Loop headed east near Mykawa. The eastbound lanes were closed for several hours. The freeway reportedly reopened at 6:42 a.m., but was expected to close again later in the day for additional repairs. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.
The Houston Police Department said a white truck was driving east at a high rate of speed on the South Loop with three people, including the driver, in the vehicle. At some point, the driver lost control and the car slammed into a freeway sign before bursting into flames.
Police said a passerby was able to rescue the driver from the burning pickup truck. The severity of the driver’s injuries was not immediately clear.
Two 18-year-olds, a boy and a girl, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The identities of the victims have not been released as police work to notify their families.
HPD said investigators were working to determine whether alcohol or other substances played a role in the crash.
Damage to South Loop freeway sign
Texas Department of Transportation crews worked throughout Saturday morning on repairs to the structure holding the freeway signs.
Crews appeared to be taking the signs off the metal structure.
As of 5 p.m., all lanes have since been reopened.
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Watch the update HPD gave at the scene:
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