A heartbreaking crash along Interstate 10 east in Jefferson County left two people dead early Monday, snarling morning traffic and leaving the community in shock.
Shortly before 5:20 a.m., a 2015 Dodge Charger — carrying a 34-year-old man and a female passenger — attempted a lane change but failed, according to a statement by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The car veered into a water-filled barrier, then smashed into a concrete barrier near the 841-mile marker by Boyt Road. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
The names of the victims have not yet been released, as officials work to notify their next of kin.
The impact was immediate and severe: all eastbound lanes of the interstate were shut down for hours. Traffic piled up miles back — past Fannett and Highway 365 — as clearing crews and investigators worked under dim early-morning light conditions. Drivers were encouraged to seek alternate routes, especially with active school-zone traffic nearby.
Representatives of DPS confirmed the two deaths and said the investigation remains ongoing. In particular, troopers are reviewing evidence from the scene to understand what caused the failed lane change. Limited visibility at that hour may have been a factor.
For commuters who depend on I-10 every morning, Monday’s crash was a stark reminder of how quickly safety can turn into tragedy. Barriers — even when properly installed — offer little protection when struck at high speed. The accident underscores the danger of early-morning travel, especially around major industrial zones like the Goodyear plant near the crash site, where traffic and visibility can be unpredictable.
As the investigation continues, local officials urge drivers to stay alert, avoid abrupt lane changes, and modify speed to match conditions — especially when the road is dark or poorly lit. The community now mourns the sudden loss of two lives, and awaits the outcomes of the investigation with heavy hearts.
