Two drivers hospitalized after 18-wheeler crashes into power lines on the S. Sam Houston Tollway at Cullen Boulevard, authorities say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two drivers have been hospitalized after a fiery crash on Houston’s south side that also left a neighborhood without electricity.

Law enforcement officials say an 18-wheeler crashed while heading east on the South Beltway service road and trying to avoid a small silver car that allegedly ran a red light. The semi-truck eventually hit the car and then crashed into a power line near the S. Sam Houston Tollway Friday afternoon.

SkyEye flew over the area to investigate the extent of the crash. The truck is seen on the grassy median with significant damage to the front of the tractor section.

“The truck driver, I had to tow him out,” said Calvin Russell, an electrician who worked nearby with his brother.

Both men say it was clear the driver of the silver car was more seriously injured. He was transported in critical condition.

Nearby businesses were immediately plunged into darkness after the crash.

‘When we were working they were flickering. They went out. Then I walked over there and saw the tragedy,” said Roderick Brown, a hairdresser at a nearby strip center. ‘It was bad. They resuscitated the person and then took him away. I hope they are doing well.”

Other businesses simply opened their doors and had handwritten signs that said “Cash Only” in an effort to get some business.

Traffic on the southern ring road was not affected by the accident. The investigation is being handled by Precinct 7 Deputy Constables Office.

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