News Summary
A tragic car crash in Midtown Houston resulted in the deaths of two occupants in a Lexus after a suspected drunk driver hit their vehicle. The driver, Rene Hernandez, faces two counts of murder following the incident. The crash occurred during a law enforcement pursuit, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving and drunk driving. The community is calling for increased awareness of road safety to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Houston: Two Dead in Midtown Crash Involving Alleged Drunk Driver
Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Midtown, Houston, early Saturday morning. The incident, which involved a suspected drunk driver, has left the community shaken.
The driver, identified as Rene Hernandez, a 21-year-old resident, is facing two counts of murder following the collision. The crash occurred near the intersection of Smith Street and Elgin, where Hernandez allegedly ran a red light while being pursued by law enforcement.
According to reports, a deputy from Precinct 7 was in pursuit of a black Ford F-150 that had been driving erratically and running red lights. Before the fatal crash, the F-150 was involved in hitting two separate vehicles in a Wells Fargo parking lot located on Smith Street.
The situation escalated when Hernandez ran a red light at the intersection of Smith and Elgin, resulting in a T-bone collision with a white Lexus. The force of the impact caused the Lexus to spin out, crash against a nearby building, and subsequently catch fire. Tragically, the occupants of the Lexus were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities report that the fire sparked by the collision quickly intensified. Bystander video footage captured a firefighter attempting to extinguish the flames engulfing the Lexus. Witnesses to the incident described hearing a loud noise prior to seeing the rapid progression of the fire, further highlighting the severity of the crash.
After the wreck, Hernandez exhibited signs consistent with intoxication, including slurred speech. He was arrested at the scene and is being charged with two counts of murder. Under Texas law, if a person commits a felony that leads to death, it qualifies as instantaneous murder, which has significant legal implications for Hernandez.
A female passenger traveling with Hernandez in the F-150 was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Although she is currently not in custody, authorities have indicated that she may still face charges as the investigation progresses.
This tragic incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of drunk driving and its devastating consequences. The lives lost in such incidents are a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to ensure road safety.
In summary, this recent crash in Midtown Houston not only highlights the dangers associated with drunk driving but also the potential legal ramifications for those involved in such actions. As the investigation continues, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Community Rallies Against Mayor’s Traffic Changes
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
