Update on Tuesday, Dec. 15:
It was announced by WPD that an additional passenger passed away from injuries sustained during the multi-vehicles accident.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, Wharton Police Department (WPD) officers responded to a call reporting a major accident on U.S. Highway 59 at County Road 231.
Fire, EMS and police were called to the scene where it is alleged a pickup truck struck an 18-wheeler that was attempting to cross traffic.
“Upon arrival, it was determined that a gray pickup truck traveling northbound struck an 18-wheeler that was attempting to cross into the southbound lanes from CR 231,” WPD posted to social media.
While the driver of the 18-wheeler was uninjured, the driver of the pickup truck was pronounced deceased on the scene and a female passenger of the pickup was life-flighted to downtown Houston for medical attention. It was announced at approximately 10:27 p.m. the female passenger died from injuries sustained.
WPD said in its release that the identities of persons involved are being withheld at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
This is the second major accident agencies have responded to on U.S. Highway 59 in Wharton, bringing the death toll to seven within the past 30 days.
Northbound traffic lanes were opened at approximately 9:40 p.m. that evening.
