Police say three people were killed and another critically hurt when a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and caused a five-car crash in southwest Houston.
HOUSTON — Three people are dead and another is critically injured after police say a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and caused a five-vehicle crash early Sunday morning in southwest Houston.
According to Sgt. Rebecca Dallas with the Houston Police Vehicular Crimes Division, officers were called out just after 1 a.m. to the intersection of Almeda Road and West Orem Drive. Investigators say a gray Chrysler heading south on Almeda did not have its headlights on and ran a red light, slamming into a white Buick that was moving east through a green light.
The impact caused a chain reaction, pushing 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,” Sgt. Dallas said. “Out of one vehicle, we have now three deceased.”
The third passenger, a woman who was ejected from the Buick, was taken to a nearby hospital but later pronounced dead by doctors. Police say the driver of the gray Chrysler was also taken to the hospital in critical condition and is believed to have been impaired.
Charges upgraded
Sgt. Dallas said investigators confirmed the driver’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit, and the district attorney upgraded the charges to intoxication manslaughter after arriving on 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 at the scene, while the female passenger was taken to the hospital but did not survive. Their identities have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division, DWI Task Force, and the district attorney’s office all responded to investigate the crash.
‘There’s no excuse’
Sgt. Dallas emphasized the importance of planning ahead 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.”
Police said the suspect remains hospitalized in critical condition as the investigation continues.