HOUSTON, TEXAS — Four Houston firefighters were transported to the hospital early Sunday morning after an 18-wheeler crashed into their fire engine as crews worked to block traffic on the Eastex Freeway during an emergency response in the Kingwood area.

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The collision occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on the northbound lanes of U.S. 59 near the Northpark Drive entrance ramp, where Houston Fire Department Engine 104 was positioned to shield first responders from oncoming traffic. According to Houston Police, the pumper engine was struck by a tractor-trailer traveling through the area, resulting in a major crash that left the fire engine heavily damaged and sent all four firefighters aboard to the hospital.

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According to ABC13, HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz posted on X that blocking freeway traffic is “one of the most dangerous tasks” firefighters perform. He confirmed that Engine 104 had been shielding the crash scene near Exit 151 when it was struck. Muñoz said all four injured firefighters are expected to recover, though the crash highlights the extreme risks emergency responders face while protecting motorists on high-speed roadways.

Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, called the collision a “serious accident” and urged the community to keep the injured firefighters in their prayers. Houston Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and additional details about the 18-wheeler driver have not yet been released.

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