Police said that around 2:29 a.m., a Tesla Model S was going southbound in the northbound express lanes when it hit a concrete barrier.
MANVEL, Texas — Two people were killed in a fiery single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, according to the Manvel Police Department.
The accident happened on Highway 288, just north of Croix Road in the Manvel area.
Police said that around 2:29 a.m., a Tesla Model S was traveling southbound in the northbound express lanes when it collided with a concrete barrier. When first responders arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, it is unclear if anyone else was in the vehicle.
Investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash. It is unknown if alcohol played a role, as toxicology results are pending, police said.
Debris from the crash scattered across Highway 288’s main and express lanes, prompting a hazmat team to assist with cleanup and a temporary highway shutdown.
All main lanes and the entrance ramp to the toll road have since reopened.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Avoiding a wrong-way crash
Houston police have shared four tips to help keep you safe from wrong-way drivers.
- First, stay alert with your eyes looking ahead and down the road for potential problems.
- Second, at night, try to stay in the right lane, as wrong-way drivers are likely to be driving in the left-most lane.
- Third, if a wrong-way driver is headed towards you, slow down, move to the shoulder and then call 911.
- Police say your job is to save yourself and not try to stop the wrong-way driver.