Harris County, Texas: A major crash on Interstate 10 in east Harris County, Texas, has turned fatal, shutting down the westbound mainlanes and creating significant traffic delays Friday evening.
According to local reports, the three-vehicle collision occurred on I-10 East Freeway westbound just after Freeport Boulevard. Houston TranStar verified the crash at approximately 6:22 p.m., with at least one person confirmed dead.
The crash blocked the westbound mainlanes, three frontage-road lanes and an exit ramp as emergency crews and investigators responded. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and seek an alternate route while authorities worked at the scene.
The identity of the person who died has not been released. Authorities have also not publicly confirmed the number or severity of additional injuries resulting from the collision.
The crash occurred as a separate planned closure of westbound I-10 between Freeport Boulevard and Market Street Road/Uvalde Road was scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday for roadway repairs. That planned closure is separate from the fatal collision.
Investigators remain at the scene as they work to determine what led to the three-vehicle crash.
Drivers travelling through east Harris County should expect substantial delays and check official traffic information before entering the affected area.
This is a developing story, and additional details about the victims, injuries and circumstances of the crash may be released as the investigation continues.