Just before 1 a.m. emergency crews from Porter Fire Department and MCHD responded to a reported accident on FM 1314 near Old Houston. While enroute additional calls were received with information that a pickup was under an 18-wheeler and was on fire. Porter Fire Department arrived on the scene and quickly extinguished a small blaze.
The driver of the pickup which hit a Great Wide 18-wheeler pulling a Walmart trailer head on was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace James Metts. Judge Metts also ordered an autopsy.
The pickup which crossed four lanes before striking the truck ripped a fuel tank from the 18-wheeler throwing several hundred gallons of diesel onto the freeway. The fuel tank on the right side was also damaged and leaking fuel. In addition, several gallons of motor oil was on the ground.
The driver of the 18-wheeler who is from Cypress was uninjured.
DPS Officials are still unsure what would have caused the truck to cross the lanes and strike the 18-wheeler. They say it was not an issue of texting as the drivers phone was in his pocket. They say an autopsy will be needed to determine if alcohol or a medical condition existed. The possibility of fatigue is also possible.
The crash was investigated by Troopers John Sullivan, Justin Lopez, Samuel Larson and Sgt. Derek Leitner
The victim has been identified as Dustin Kellogg, 18 of Conroe. Dustin Kellogg was a right handed star pitcher with Caney Creek High School last year and was 34th round draft pick by the Astros.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Dustin’s death," Astros General Manager Ed Wade said. "Although he had only been an Astros player for a short time, we share the pain of his family. Our prayers go out to Dustin’s loved ones."
Dustin attended Caney Creek Cowboy Church. Pastor Mark Grimes said Dustin was full of life, full of energy and loved the Lord. Mark said he had been with the church a little over a year and loved the animals, loved fighting the bulls and hanging out with his friends. He said he was a good clean kid, stayed out of trouble. Mark remember encouraging him not to fight bulls any longer because he was going places in his life with the Houston Astro’s.
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