Houston Fire Engine Struck on Eastex Freeway, Five Hurt in Northpark Crash

A crash on the Eastex Freeway injured five people early Saturday after a semi-truck slammed into a Houston Fire Department engine near Northpark Drive. The collision created major delays for drivers heading into Houston and raised new concerns about on‑scene safety for emergency crews.

Semi-Truck Hits Fire Engine During Emergency Response

According to early reports, firefighters had responded to an earlier incident on the southbound side of I-69 when a semi-truck approached the scene. While crews worked on the roadway, the truck failed to stop in time and struck the parked fire engine. The impact injured four firefighters and the truck driver.

Emergency medical teams quickly transported the injured individuals to nearby hospitals. Officials described their injuries as non-life-threatening. Even so, the crash forced extended lane closures that caused backups stretching several miles during the busy morning hours.

Traffic Bottlenecks Affect Commuters and Businesses

The Eastex Freeway is a key route for northeast Harris County commuters and freight carriers. Because of that, the shutdown disrupted weekend travel for thousands of drivers. Businesses along the corridor also experienced slowdowns as delivery times slipped and customer traffic dropped.

Although lanes later reopened, transportation officials urged drivers to take extra care when passing emergency scenes. They also reminded motorists of Texas' Move Over or Slow Down law, which requires drivers to reduce speed or change lanes when approaching flashing emergency lights.

Why It Matters for Houston

This crash highlights ongoing safety risks for local firefighters and medics. Houston-area crews frequently face speeding or distracted drivers while responding to roadside emergencies. Such crashes also disrupt major traffic corridors, which affects daily commuting and commercial activity.

• Slower deliveries and service delays for Houston businesses
• Longer travel times for residents and workers heading into the city
• Increased focus on Move Over law enforcement

What’s Next

The Houston Fire Department is reviewing the incident and evaluating whether additional safety measures may be needed at freeway scenes. Investigators will also determine what caused the semi-truck to strike the fire engine.

Transportation officials encourage drivers to stay alert, especially when approaching any stopped emergency vehicle. More enforcement around the Eastex Freeway corridor may follow if similar crashes continue.

This article is a summary of reporting by Gosuits. Read the full story here.