FORT WORTH, Texas - Three people were killed and two others, including a child, were hospitalized early Tuesday morning after a wrong-way driver caused multiple crashes on Airport Freeway in Fort Worth, police said.
The crashes were reported at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Aug. 18 near State Highway 121 Airport Freeway and North Riverside Drive.
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, a Jeep with one adult occupant was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 121.
Evidence collected at the scene indicates the Jeep was traveling the wrong way in the freeway's second lane when it approached a vehicle carrying three people.
The driver of that vehicle attempted to move out of the Jeep's path but was unable to completely avoid a collision. The Jeep struck the rear driver's side of the vehicle.
Police said no major injuries were reported among its three occupants.
Jeep Continued Wrong Way Before Head-On Collision
After the first crash, the Jeep continued traveling eastbound against westbound traffic, according to investigators.
It then collided head-on with a four-door sedan carrying four people, including three adults and a child.
The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two passengers in the sedan, an adult woman sitting in the front passenger seat and another adult woman riding in the rear, were also pronounced dead at the scene.
The sedan's adult male driver and a child passenger, believed to be between 10 and 11 years old, were transported to local hospitals.
Police said both are expected to survive.
Fort Worth Police Investigating Why Driver Was Going Wrong Way
The Fort Worth Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit responded to the scene and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.
Authorities have not released information about where or how the Jeep entered the freeway traveling in the wrong direction. Police also have not said whether alcohol, drugs or another factor may have contributed to the crash.
The identities of the three people killed have not yet been released. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will identify the deceased.
Investigators are also looking for additional video or information that could help establish the Jeep's movements before the collisions.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4222.
