Driver Burned, Injured in Single-Vehicle Crash on Old Ox Rd in Spring, TX
Spring, TX — December 16, 2022, one person was seriously injured in a fiery single-vehicle accident on Old Ox Road in Montgomery County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 9:15 p.m. on the 2300 block of Old Ox. Preliminary investigation suggests a Ford King Ranch pickup entered a cul-de-sac at the end of Old Ox at high speeds, ran through some yards, hit a tree and a water meter, then crashed into a parked vehicle in a driveway. The driver then sped away down the street but left the road in a curve and entered a drainage ditch. The truck continued around 200 feet in the ditch before it hit a culvert pipe and went airborne. It fully caught fire and came to rest upon landing.
The pickup's driver suffered critical burn injuries in the crash. A local homeowner that rescued the driver from the burning truck received minor burns on his hands.
The investigation continues. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Spring Auto Accident on Old Ox Rd
Investigators seem to have a fair handle on what happened here, but right now it doesn't seem like they're quite sure why things went that way. They mentioned a suspicion that the pickup might have been stolen and are looking into it, but unless that's proven by evidence the driver deserves the presumption of innocence the same as anyone else. Besides, that still wouldn't necessarily explain his described behavior.
Speaking of that, some may feel that intoxication was a factor here given how things reportedly went. I can't and won't speak to that possibility, but investigators may look into it as a matter of procedure if nothing else. Confirming its involvement could have other implications (including possible ways to help the burned driver), but alcohol should never be assumed or taken for granted as a factor in any crash.
Basically the only thing that will make real sense of this situation is careful investigation and weighing all the potential factors. The driver may have some consequences coming for whichever choices he made that night, but if anyone else was partly responsible for hurting him then they too should be held accountable. Will police take the time and care needed to see that done?
