At 8:16 pm Sunday, Conroe, Needham, and Woodlands Fire were dispatched to a report of a crash with fire on I-45 northbound at the San Jacinto River Bridge. While en route, they were advised of a critically burned patient and possibly three children trapped in the burning vehicle. Once the fire was extinguished, a child was found deceased in the burned vehicle. Three people were transported to the hospital, one being in critical condition. At least one of those victims was a child. Conroe Police are investigating. Early reports stated that the Toyota was stopped on the left shoulder. The Honda Civic was in the HOV Lane with a lone occupant and struck the Toyota, causing it to burst into flames. The driver of the Civic was in stable condition. The freeway remained closed until 1 am as investigators tried to put the pieces together and identify victims. They expect to release additional information later this morning.
