22-month-old twin dies after cement truck falls over bridge, lands onto another vehicle on beltway in east Harris Co., HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 22-month-old toddler has died after a cement truck reportedly lost control and went off an overpass, landing on top of another vehicle in east Harris County Friday afternoon, deputies said.

Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the accident happened at the intersection of Frontage Road near Woodforest Boulevard headed southbound off East Beltway 8.

According to deputies, it appeared that the driver of the cement truck was traveling on the main lanes of Beltway 8 when she ultimately lost control of the vehicle. Investigators believe the truck, driven by a 36-year-old woman, was impacted by slick road conditions as rain impacted that area.

Deputies and witnesses at the scene say the truck fell completely over the bridge and on top of a Ford Expedition, which had a family of four inside.

A 54-year-old grandmother, her 22-year-old daughter, and the daughter’s 22-month-old boy-girl twins were said to be in the truck below.

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Harris County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Simon Cheng says three of the occupants were able to get out, however, the boy twin was not able to be extracted until hours after.

The other occupants sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, deputies say.

Investigators say the truck driver did not show any signs of intoxication at the time of the crash and refused to be taken to a hospital.

Officials are unclear if any evidence at the scene will lead to charges being filed. Authorities from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office were called to the scene for a post-crash investigation.

Additionally, HAZMAT crews were called to the scene to ensure no toxic chemicals were spilled into the storm drainage after the crash.

Texas Department of Transportation officials were also called to see about the damage to the beltway.