A woman is in critical condition after falling from an overpass in northeast Houston.
According to authorities, two others, including a Houston police officer, were also injured in the incident.
The accident occurred around 9 p.m. Sunday on the I-69 Eastex Freeway near Laura Koppe Road.
Houston police reported that the incident began when the woman’s car broke down in one of the southbound lanes of I-69. After turning on her hazard lights, she exited the vehicle to call for a tow truck. While she was standing outside, another car struck her, causing her to fall over the retaining wall.
Police estimate she fell between 25 and 30 feet. She was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition.
As officers worked to block the road to investigate, the situation worsened when a driver, suspected of being intoxicated, crashed into a Houston Police Department cruiser.
“At around 10:12 p.m., while investigating the first incident, one of our officers, who was blocking the road, was struck by another driver, a female who showed signs of intoxication,” said Sgt. R. Dallas.
The driver had a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old in the car at the time. She sustained minor injuries, while the children were unharmed.
The woman faces charges for driving while intoxicated with children in the vehicle, along with other charges related to the crash into the HPD unit.
The officer involved was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital with minor injuries and is expected to recover.
Authorities advise that motorists should remain inside their vehicles if stranded on a freeway. For assistance, the Gulf Coast Regional Tow and Go Program offers free towing from any freeway in Harris County by calling 713-881-3333. The service will tow vehicles to a safe location within one mile at no cost. They can also assist with tire changes if a spare and jack are available.
