A crash involving an 18-wheeler on the Northwest Freeway injured two women and closed Highway 290 for hours.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Two women were seriously injured Monday morning in a multi-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler along the Northwest Freeway.
The big rig was hauling a full load of bricks, which were littered across Highway 290 as a result of the crash.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office officials said a westbound car crashed into the 18-wheeler, forcing the tractor-trailer into the opposing lanes of traffic. The crash forced 290 to be closed for hours. The crash was initially reported just before 8 a.m. and all lanes reopened around 3:30 p.m.
“I’m glad everybody survived because it could’ve been a lot worse,” HCSO Sgt. Michael Gardenhi said.
The injured women had to be cut out of the car they were in. One of them was taken to an area hospital via Life Flight with a brain bleed and a fractured spine, according to officials. The other woman was taken to an area hospital via ambulance with a broken leg and a fractured spine.
Investigators said a Toyota Camry crashed into the 18-wheeler and set off a devastating chain reaction involving nine vehicles.
“The driver hit the steer axle of the truck, which caused it to lose control and strike the barrier wall. The trailer then spun around and got on top of the wall, and a car traveling eastbound in the HOV lanes struck the trailer, which caused it to lose its load,” Gardenhi said.
Attorneys for Courtney Silverberg and Natalie Jones said their clients spent hours in surgery.
“I don’t really want to go into too much detail about their private situation. They have extensive injuries. Both of them do,” said Attorney Sherra Gilbert. “These are catastrophic injuries, and they’re going to be suffering for a long time.”
The two friends, who are in their mid to late 30s, have a long recovery ahead as their attorneys work to find out what caused this.
“We’re just getting the preliminary information and we will get the experts that we need to get on the case as quickly as possible, so that we can get some answers for our clients,” said Attorney Kim Spurlock.
Attorneys also stressed the women were not at fault.
“In no way, shape, or form did they cause or contribute to this event,” Gilbert said.
For hours, traffic was at a crawl in both directions near West Road.
Manuel Sanders eventually made it through the traffic. He stopped to see if he knew the truck driver who was involved. He also wanted to find out what happened.
“I was stuck in all of it,” Sanders said.
It’s still unclear why the Camry crashed into the big rig.
Cleanup crews responded to the scene and used front-loaders to remove the bricks from the freeway. They were eventually hauled off in dump trucks.
It’s unclear if the driver of the Camry will be charged in connection with the crash.