DDN – A man died and three others were hospitalized following a sequence of collisions on a Houston roadway Wednesday morning.

The southbound lanes of the U.S. 59 Southwest Freeway have reopened near Kirby Drive, after being closed for hours during the investigation.

Chain-reaction crashes

The incident occurred at 2 a.m. when a vehicle collided with a freeway barrier. Police say the vehicle came to a stop in a flowing lane of traffic, and the driver exited.

According to police, a second driver failed to spot the first vehicle and crashed into it.

According to authorities, the driver of the first vehicle jumped off the elevated roadway and landed on Greenbriar below.

A third vehicle then collided with the second vehicle.

One died, and three were injured.

The driver of the first vehicle that leaped from the bridge was brought to the hospital, according to authorities. He was allegedly unresponsive and in critical condition. According to police, medical workers said that he appeared to be impaired.

The driver of the second vehicle died on the spot.

The third vehicle carried two persons. They were both sent to the hospital and are likely to survive their injuries.

The investigation continues.
Police cleared the site and reopened the route at about 5:45 a.m., but the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities will investigate if the driver who hit the barrier was inebriated.

As the inquiry progresses, officials will decide whether anyone will face prosecution. The case could be brought before a grand jury.

Reference: Houston crash on Southwest Freeway at Kirby leaves 1 dead, 3 injured