Four Houston Firefighters Injured After 18-Wheeler Slams Into Fire Truck on U.S. 59

Four Houston firefighters were hospitalized early Monday after an 18-wheeler struck their fire truck on U.S. 59, according to officials. The crew had been responding to an earlier crash when the big rig slammed into the back of their parked engine, causing heavy damage and multiple injuries.

The collision happened before dawn along the northbound lanes near the Crosstimbers exit. Emergency crews rushed the injured firefighters to a local hospital. Authorities said all four were in stable condition by mid-morning.

What Happened on U.S. 59

Investigators said the firefighters positioned their truck to shield the crash scene, which is standard procedure to protect responders. Despite the flashing lights and cones, the approaching 18-wheeler failed to stop in time. The impact forced the fire truck forward and scattered debris across several lanes.

Traffic slowed for several hours as crews cleared the scene and inspected the fire engine for structural damage. Officials did not immediately release details about the driver of the 18-wheeler or whether citations would follow.

Why It Matters for Houston

This crash highlights ongoing risks faced by first responders on some of the region's busiest corridors. U.S. 59 carries heavy commercial traffic at all hours, and emergency crews often work within just a few feet of speeding vehicles. Because of this, local agencies continue to emphasize the state's Move Over/Slow Down law.

• Drivers must move over one lane when passing emergency vehicles.
• If unable to change lanes, motorists must slow down at least 20 mph below the posted limit.
• Violations can lead to fines that increase when injuries occur.

The incident also created morning delays for commuters and commercial drivers who rely on the corridor. Many businesses located near the Eastex Freeway reported workers arriving late as traffic backed up toward downtown.

What’s Next

The Houston Fire Department is reviewing the crash and assessing the damaged fire engine. State troopers are leading the investigation into the 18-wheeler driver and the moments leading up to the collision.

City leaders continue to push for stronger driver awareness, especially as holiday traffic increases. They also urge drivers to reduce speed around crash scenes, construction zones, and any roadside emergency lights.

Additional updates are expected once investigators complete interviews and review traffic camera footage.

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