BEAUMONT, Texas – Two men from Friendswood were killed when a crane being used by road crews malfunctioned and hit their vehicle in Jefferson County, according to a report by KFDM-TV.
The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. Thursday on Interstate 10 near Smith Road in the Beaumont area, authorities said.
Sarfaraz Karowadia, 37, and his passenger, 42-year-old Altaf Kasowadia, were headed westbound on I-10 in a 2013 Toyota when they came across a construction area.
“The initial reports indicate that a crash occurred and heavy equipment became dislodged from a commercial motor vehicle,” according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. “This is an active crash investigation and additional information will be released as details are confirmed.”
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, according to TDPS.
The contractor for the I-10 widening and construction project has released a statement to KFDM/Fox 4 News saying:
“In response to the incident which occurred on the construction site located along I-10, involving subcontractor Hemphill Construction, our thoughts and prayers are with all involved in this incident. Johnson Bros. Corporation, along with TxDOT, is investigating the circumstances behind this incident and has no further comment at this time.”
The roadway in the area was closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene.
Here is the statement released by TxDOT:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by the tragic event Thursday. TxDOT will yield to the law enforcement team conducting investigations into the incident to provide any details regarding the scene or specific parties involved. We can confirm that TxDOT has an active contract with Johnson Brothers Corporation for the I-10 construction project from FM 365 to Walden Rd. No closures are currently scheduled on the project at this time. TxDOT is saddened by this accident and loss of life, and we offer our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of those involved.”