Wrong way driver dead, family injured heading home

A three car crash killed one driver traveling the wrong direction and sent three others to the hospital Tuesday night.
A three car crash killed one driver traveling the wrong direction and sent three others to the hospital Tuesday night.

CROSBY – US 90 became the scene of a fatality Tuesday night about midnight, when a wrong-way driver hit an oncoming van.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, a Chevy Astro Van and a Ford Focus were headed home eastbound from their church in the 4400 block of US 90 when a Toyota Sienna came at them in the wrong direction on the overpass of Runneburg Road (formerly known as Die-Way 90 before the overpass). The Astro van and the Toyota collided, spinning both in a counterclockwise direction and the Focus struck the driver’s side of the Astro van.

Despite the severity of the crash, emergency responders worked swiftly to provide aid. While Rocky Joseph Tarr in the Toyota sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene, the rapid response of Life Flight and local first responders gave others a fighting chance at recovery. The Focus operator was airlifted to Memorial Hermann, while Crosby Volunteer Fire Department extricated the Astro Van driver. A second helicopter transported a 16-year-old male and a 21-year-old from the Astro Van, and a 42-year-old male was taken by ambulance. Thanks to the dedication of these teams, those who sustained an injury received immediate medical attention, improving their chances of survival and healing.

The road was closed for two hours as an investigation and medical evacuation was accomplished.

On Thursday a classic vintage 1953 Bentley crashed into a culvert on Church St. at about 11:00 p.m. The operator was said to be in fair condition except distraught about the loss of the Bentley.

Accidents with injuries occurred on Saturday at about 3:10 p.m. on FM 1942 and another at about 3:30 p.m. near Sroker Road.

Bystanders examine an overturned vehicle on FM1942. The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon. Authorities think the driver was speeding, and swerved to avoid another car.