US-290 crash: 18-wheeler loses load of bricks, at least 2 injured

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - The westbound mainlanes of US-290 near West Road were shut down after a crash involving nine vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, on Monday morning, officials say.

18-wheeler crash on US-290

What we know:

According to Houston Transtar, the accident happened on US-290 Northwest just before West Road.

Sergeant Michael Gardenhi with Harris County Sheriff's Office reports the driver of a Toyota Camry lost control of their vehicle and hit the steering axle of the 18-wheeler, which was carrying a full load of bricks on a trailer. The truck also lost control and hit the barrier wall, causing the trailer to slide on top of the wall.

There was another vehicle in the HOV lanes going eastbound at the time with a female driver and passenger inside, Sgt. Gardeni reports. Their vehicle crashed into the trailer, causing the 18-wheeler to lose its load.

The driver of the vehicle in the HOV lane had to be taken to the hospital by Life Flight, while the passenger was driven by ambulance, according to authorities.

Officials say there was one other person taken by Life Flight to the hospital.

What we don't know:

It has not been confirmed what caused the driver of the Toyota Camry to lose control.

Officials have not said how the third person injured was involved in the crash.

Roadway shut down

All westbound lanes were shut down on Monday morning. Several lanes remained closed for hours but reopened in the afternoon.

Sgt. Gardenhi said they would need two industrial tow trucks in order to pull the 18-wheeer off of the wall.