UPDATE (December 8, 2023): Further information from authorities identified the woman killed in the accident as Jessica Gonzalez, the mother of the child that was also killed. One of the injured victims was also identified as Erasmo Carreon Torres. While no charges or citations have been reported, details suggest that authorities identified the driver that allegedly left the scene of the accident. No further information is available.

Houston, TX — November 5, 2023, a woman and a child were killed and two were injured after a hit-and-run accident at 1:50 a.m. on the East Freeway.

Police officials state that the collision happened in the 13500 block of Interstate 10, which appears to be in the area of Uvalde Road.

Jessica Gonzalez, Child Killed, Erasmo Torres, 1 Injured in Hit-and-run Accident in Houston, TX

Authorities say there was an initial crash between two vehicles along eastbound lanes of I-10. Those drivers got out of their vehicles and were on the roadway as authorities arrived and were apparently “establishing a barrier” at the crash scene. While doing this, though, reports say a black Jeep Cherokee went around the emergency vehicles and crashed into the accident scene. The Jeep struck the people standing outside of their vehicles and overturned.

Due to the collision, a 46-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl sustained fatal injuries. a 49-year-old man and a 22-year-old man reportedly had major injuries.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Authorities say they are searching for the driver of the Jeep, who they say left the scene. It’s unclear if the driver was able to flee in the Jeep or if they left on foot. If the vehicle was left at the scene, my hope is it’s just a matter of time before authorities identify and apprehend the person responsible for all of this carnage.

Not only does someone fleeing a fatal crash deserve to be held accountable for that detestable behavior, but there could be other serious mistakes to address, as well. When it comes to early-morning wrecks where drivers flee the scene and crashes where they hit emergency vehicles, there’s an all too common denominator: drunk driving. Could that be what led to a woman and a young girl losing their lives here? And, will the public be able to come forward and assist authorities in finding the person responsible for all of this?

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