HOUSTON—All westbound lanes of US 290 were shut down at 43rd Street because of a multi-vehicle fatal accident Friday.
Police at the scene said a Scion and a pickup truck got into a minor accident on the freeway around 11:30 a.m., so they pulled to the shoulder to exchange information.
The driver of the Scion – a 59-year-old man – was in his passenger seat, getting insurance info, when an 18-wheeler came along and rear-ended him, police said.
The impact caused the Scion to smash into the pickup and pushed both vehicles 100 feet down the road.
A fourth vehicle – a moving truck – was also hit.
The man in the Scion was ejected and died at the scene.
Police said the driver of the 18-wheeler was not intoxicated, but he was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants.
No other serious injuries were reported. The identity of the victim was not known.
Houston TranStar initially said the lanes would remain closed through rush hour, so travelers should expect lengthy delays. But the lanes were reopened just after 4 p.m.
Vehicles were diverted off the freeway at 43rd and then allowed to get back on after Bingle while the lanes were closed.
Metro temporarily opened up the 290 HOV lane to all cars to help alleviate gridlock, but it resumed normal operations again after the westbound lanes opened.
