HOUSTON, Texas — A 59-year-old truck driver was tragically killed by his own tractor-trailer Wednesday morning after the vehicle rolled forward while he was inspecting a mechanical issue along the East Loop of Interstate 610, according to the Houston Police Department (HPD).

The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. near 900 East Loop North, just before Clinton Drive, when the driver of a red Volvo semi-truck pulled over to the shoulder due to a mechanical problem, HPD said.

As the driver stepped out to check the issue, the truck began to move forward, striking him. Paramedics with the Houston Fire Department responded to the scene but pronounced the man dead at the site. His identity is pending notification of family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Capt. Donna Crawford of HPD said another driver witnessed the accident and pulled over to help, but the man had already succumbed to his injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

According to ABC13 Houston, all southbound lanes of I-610 were closed for over two hours while police and medical examiners conducted their investigation. Traffic has since fully reopened.

Authorities urge motorists who experience vehicle trouble to stay inside their vehicles when possible and call for roadside assistance, citing the danger of working on or near moving traffic.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.