Authorities say the pair were traveling eastbound in a 2015 Dodge Charger when the driver attempted to change lanes but failed to make the maneuver safely. The vehicle struck a water-filled barrier before continuing forward and crashing into a concrete barrier with significant force. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by Jefferson County Precinct Four Justice of the Peace Justin Chesson. The male victim’s name has not yet been released as officials work to notify his immediate family.

The crash had an immediate and widespread impact on morning traffic. All eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 were shut down for several hours as crews worked to investigate the scene and clear debris from the roadway. The closure caused miles of backups stretching past Fannett and Highway 365, leaving many commuters stuck in long delays during the busy morning travel period. Authorities urged drivers to seek alternate routes until the highway could be safely reopened.

Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Sgt. Shana Clark confirmed that both individuals inside the Charger were killed as a result of the impact. She noted that the investigation remains active as troopers continue to gather information and review physical evidence from the scene. The crash occurred during early morning hours when visibility can be limited, and DPS will examine all potential contributing factors as part of their ongoing review.

Scenes like this serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly roadway conditions can change and how dangerous early-morning travel can be, especially on major highways like Interstate 10. Traffic barriers, designed to reduce the severity of crashes, can still be deadly when struck at high speeds. Authorities continue to encourage drivers to remain alert, avoid sudden lane changes, and adjust speeds to match roadway conditions.