A Harris County sheriff’s deputy was hit by a large truck Thursday morning while investigating a crash on I-10 East at Sheldon Road in the Channelview area, the sheriff's office said.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the deputy and two others were outside of their vehicles when "a driver in a large work truck, hauling equipment on a gooseneck trailer, hit the patrol car and drove through the scene."
The deputy was dragged more than 75 feet to the Cedar Lane bridge before she was able to radio for help.
"I've been run over,” the 38-year-old deputy told the dispatcher.
In the gut-wrenching audio, you can hear the deputy struggling to talk through her pain.
"Keep talking Brenda, come on keep talking,” the dispatcher urged her.
Life Flight was called to the scene, but wasn't able to transport anyone because of weather conditions, according to the sheriff. All three people were taken by ambulance and are expected to survive.
The deputy's injuries were mostly to her legs and she and a male driver were in serious condition. The third victim was reported to be in good condition.
Gonzalez credits the deputy with potentially saving one of the men's lives.
"She was able to push the individual out of harm’s way, and while he still sustained injuries, perhaps spared him from death,” the sheriff said. "It was a very scary moment, but again I commend her for her swift actions and alertness to get on the radio and be able to get help there quickly to help avoid other crashes."
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she was able to briefly speak with the deputy at the hospital and she was alert and talking.
As for the driver of the work truck, Gonzalez said he stayed at the scene and there was no indication he was impaired. However, he did believe the driver may have been speeding while coming off an overpass, and that force combined with the heavy weight of the trailer and equipment may have led to the collision.
Gonzalez reiterated with Harris County drivers the importance of slowing down, especially near active crash scenes.
"I think it's important to note just the dangers on our roadways, not only to the general public, but obviously to deputies and first responders."
Watch the update the sheriff gave at the hospital: