Front-seat passenger killed when loose tire crashes through windshield, Texas cops say

A loose tire crashed through another vehicle’s windshield, killing someone inside, according to authorities in Texas.

Deputies with Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office were called to the Katy Freeway in Houston at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13.

“It appears an 18-wheeler lost a tire while traveling eastbound on the Katy Freeway,” authorities said in a news release. “The tire struck a car traveling westbound on the Katy Tollway, killing a passenger in the front seat.”

A photo obtained by KTRK shows the tire shattered a black Kia’s windshield as it crashed through the passenger side.

After being hit by the tire, the driver crossed the freeway’s six lanes before crashing into a barrier wall, authorities said. The driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators said the loose tire may have been a spare, and they are unsure if the semi driver realized what happened, according to KTRK. The driver did not stop.