One person is dead following an accident on Interstate 10 at the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge (Neches River Bridge.)
Investigators say the driver of a 2008 Volvo truck tractor was traveling westbound in the center lane of Interstate 10. The driver of a 1993 GMC pickup truck was traveling eastbound in the westbound traffic lanes. The pickup truck was struck head-on by the 18-wheeler. After the impact of the collision, diesel fuel began leaking from the truck tractor.
The pickup hit an 18 wheeler head-on. The driver of the pickup was killed on impact. The driver of the 18-wheeler, identified as Danny Bell, 61, of Houston, was taken to Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth with minor injuries.
The Department of Public Safety identifies the person who died in the accident as Billy Wayne Hight, 22, of Vidor. Hight was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace, Nancy Beaulieu.
Due to the nature of the collision and the diesel spill, all eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 10 were closed. Both lanes were re-opened by 11 a.m.
A DPS spokesperson says it is unknown how the victim entered the Interstate going the wrong way.
The investigation is still ongoing.
