Freak Accident Closes Sections Of Eastex Freeway, Loop 610 in Northeast Houston

HOUSTON, TX — Sections of Interstate 69 in northeast Houston will be closed through the weekend after a bizarre accident involving a heavy truck sent concrete flying, and a huge piece of metal through the windshield of a passing car Friday morning.

No one was injured, but the accident snarled northbound traffic on the Eastex Freeway at Loop 610.

Investigators believe the hydraulic lift malfunctioned on the dump truck, lifting up beyond the 16 feet 5 inch height, striking the freeway underpass as the driver tried to pass beneath.

The large metal piece that pierced the windshield of the car is estimated to be about six feet long, and is believed to be the smokestack from that dump truck, or a piece of the freeway railing.

The Texas Department of Transportation closed sections of I-69 north and Loop 610, and replaced a damaged section of the concrete and metal guard railing at I-69, so traffic could resume through the remainder of Friday.

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TxDOT crews were able to repair damage on Loop 610, which was reopened to traffic at about 1 p.m. Friday.

However, officials said the segments of I-69 that were temporarily repaired will shut down at 9 p.m. Friday and will remain closed through the weekend to allow for repairs.

"We are going to make it as secure as possible and open just as soon as we can," TxDOT spokesman Danny Perez told the Houston Chronicle.

Those sections are expected to reopen Monday before 5 a.m., Perez said

Investigators have not said if the truck driver will face charges.

Image: Daniel Oines via Flickr

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