HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Two people lost their lives Feb. 10 in a crash reportedly caused by a driver who ran a red light near Highway 290.
Cindy Vasquez, a 23-year-old Houston woman, has been identified as one of the victims. Authorities have not yet released the name of the other victim.
Local police said a Chevrolet Silverado struck a Honda Civic in the 5300 block of Hollister Road at about 11 p.m. after running a red traffic light. The impact of the collision caused the Civic to land on top of the Silverado, strike a curb, and roll over before coming to rest.
The driver of the Honda Civic, who has not yet been identified, died at the scene of the crash.
Vasquez was a passenger in the Silverado. She was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene of the crash. Her family told local news outlets that she had a 9-month-old baby and recently graduated from the University of Houston on a full scholarship.
Emergency personnel transported the driver of the Silverado to a hospital with unknown injuries. Authorities have not released their name.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing. No additional information has been released.
Commentary on the Fatal Houston Accident that Killed 2
This is a very serious accident that will cause unspeakable pain to many. The severity is compounded by the fact the accident was entirely preventable. It is clear from the reports provided that a driver of a Chevrolet Silverado ran a red light and crashed into a Honda Civic. As a result, the passenger of the Silverado–an innocent mother—was ejected and killed. Additionally, the driver of the Honda Civic was killed on impact.
Undoubtedly, the families of the deceased are mourning as they seek answers. These families deserve to know why the driver ran the red light. Based on the accident’s timing, it is likely drugs and alcohol influenced the driver’s decision-making. If this is the case, the driver could be facing severe criminal charges, including intoxicated manslaughter. We must wait for further details before forming any firm conclusions, however.
I offer my condolences to the families left behind and truly hope for their solace during this difficult time. This young child will come into the world motherless because of another’s negligence. This is an injustice that warrants money damages for the families left behind and jail time for the reckless driver.
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