Houston, January 13, 2026
A tragic incident unfolded on the Katy Freeway as a tow truck collided with a stationary Toyota Corolla early Tuesday morning, resulting in one fatality. The accident occurred shortly before midnight when the Corolla was parked with hazard lights on. Despite efforts from first responders to revive the driver, a male, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation by the Houston Police Department is ongoing, with factors such as speed being examined. The crash led to temporary lane closures, which were lifted just after 5 a.m.
Houston
A deadly overnight crash occurred on the Katy Freeway early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, resulting in one fatality. Police are currently investigating the incident which involved a tow truck colliding with a disabled car.
Details of the Incident
The collision happened just before midnight on Monday, January 12, in the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway near Studemont. A Toyota Corolla, which was broken down and stationary in a moving lane of traffic with its hazard lights activated, was struck from behind by a tow truck.
The driver of the Toyota Corolla, identified as a male, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Houston Fire Department. First responders had attempted CPR. The tow truck driver and a passenger in the tow truck were not injured in the crash and remained at the site.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities from the Houston Police Department are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The tow truck driver was assessed for impairment, and initial findings do not indicate impairment. Investigators are examining factors such as speed. The findings of the investigation will be submitted to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine if any charges will be filed.
The crash site, located around the 2500 block of the freeway near the I-10 overpass between Studemont and Taylor streets, caused a closure of the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway. All lanes were reopened to traffic just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the Katy Freeway early Tuesday morning?
A deadly overnight crash occurred on the Katy Freeway early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, involving a tow truck colliding with a disabled car.
Where did the Katy Freeway crash take place?
The crash happened in the westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway near Studemont, also identified as the 2500 block of the freeway near the I-10 overpass between Studemont and Taylor streets.
When did the crash occur?
The collision occurred just before midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026.
What vehicles were involved in the accident?
A Toyota Corolla, which was disabled, and a tow truck were involved in the collision.
Were there any fatalities in the Katy Freeway crash?
Yes, the driver of the Toyota Corolla, a male, died at the scene.
Is the tow truck driver facing charges?
Police are investigating the crash, and the tow truck driver was checked for impairment, with initial findings not indicating impairment. The investigation’s findings will be reviewed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine if charges will be filed.
What was the traffic impact of the crash?
The westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway were closed due to the crash and were reopened just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
Key Details of the Katy Freeway Crash
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Westbound lanes of the Katy Freeway near Studemont, Houston, Texas |
| Date and Time | Just before midnight, Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| Vehicles Involved | Disabled Toyota Corolla and a tow truck |
| Fatality | One male driver (of the Toyota Corolla) |
| Injuries | Tow truck driver and passenger uninjured |
| Investigation Status | Under investigation by Houston Police Department; impairment not suspected for tow truck driver |
| Road Impact | Westbound lanes of Katy Freeway closed, reopened just after 5 a.m. Tuesday |
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