BRENHAM, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has reported two fatal accidents in the Brazos Valley during heavy rainfall on Monday. DPS troopers attributed the crashes to driving too fast for the wet roads and hydroplaning.
One of the accidents occurred on Highway 290 and Sunset Road, west of Brenham, where an SUV traveling east crossed into the westbound lanes and was struck by a semi-truck. The SUV’s driver, 59-year-old Anita Goodrich of Brenham, was killed, along with an unidentified passenger. The driver of the semi-truck sustained suspected minor injuries and was taken to a Brenham hospital.
In Grimes County, another fatal accident took place on the two-lane portion of Highway 249 near county road 304. A car struck a concrete culvert, overturned, and became submerged in water. The driver, 26-year-old Stephen Oderinde of Spring, died in the crash.
DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz highlighted hydroplaning due to worn-out tires and speeding on rain-covered highways as contributing factors to the deadly crashes. He urged drivers to maintain distance from other vehicles, keep headlights on at all times, avoid using cruise control, refrain from driving through flooded highways, stay updated on roadway and weather conditions, and follow local news and authorities for updates.
The heavy rainfall on Monday led to several crashes and loss of life on highways in the Brazos Valley. Sgt. Justin Ruiz emphasized the importance of maintaining safe driving practices and staying informed about road and weather conditions to prevent similar accidents in the future. He stressed the need for drivers to exercise caution and take necessary precautions, especially during adverse weather conditions.