I-45 Crash Near Conroe Kills 1, Injures 3

**Fiery I-45 Collision Claims Willis Man’s Life, Critically Injures Three Others Near Conroe**

**Conroe/Willis, Texas – June 4, 2024** – A catastrophic early morning crash on Interstate 45 North Freeway tragically claimed the life of a Willis man and left three others with critical injuries after a sedan reportedly collided with a parked, disabled pickup truck. The violent impact ignited both vehicles, shutting down northbound lanes for several hours near the Conroe and Willis border.

The fatal incident occurred around 2:30 AM on Tuesday, June 4, just south of FM 830. Authorities identified the deceased as 28-year-old Joshua Ryan Lopez of Willis, who was driving a silver Chevrolet Camaro northbound. According to preliminary reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Lopez’s Camaro reportedly struck the rear of a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that was broken down and parked on the freeway’s shoulder.

The force of the collision was so severe that both vehicles immediately burst into flames, creating a chaotic and dangerous scene for first responders. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

His passenger, 30-year-old Kevin Allen of Conroe, sustained critically life-threatening injuries. He was rushed from the scene and transported by air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, a Level I trauma center equipped to handle severe medical emergencies.

The two occupants of the parked Silverado, an unidentified man and woman, also suffered serious injuries in the fiery crash. They, too, were transported by air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Their current conditions have not yet been released.

Emergency crews from the Caney Creek Fire Department quickly responded to extinguish the intense vehicle fires, while Montgomery County Hospital District Medics provided immediate care to the injured. The severity of the incident necessitated a complete shutdown of the northbound lanes of I-45 for several hours as crews worked to stabilize the scene, treat patients, and begin the investigation. Traffic was diverted off the freeway at FM 3083, causing significant delays for early morning commuters. The northbound lanes were not fully reopened to traffic until approximately 7:00 AM.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has launched a comprehensive investigation into the factors that led to this devastating accident. Troopers will be examining all potential contributing elements, including speed, driver impairment, distracted driving, visibility conditions at the time of the crash, and whether the parked vehicle had adequate warning signals.

“Our investigators are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragedy,” stated a DPS spokesperson. “It’s a complex process that involves reconstructing the accident, examining evidence from the scene, and interviewing witnesses. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating loss and injuries.”

This stretch of I-45 is a heavily trafficked corridor, and officials frequently remind drivers of the importance of vigilance, especially during nighttime hours and when approaching disabled vehicles on shoulders. Motorists are urged to reduce speed, move over, and maintain a safe distance when passing emergency vehicles or stranded cars.

Further details regarding the investigation will be released as they become available. Families of those involved are asked to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

For more information on roadside safety and accident investigations, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website at [www.dps.texas.gov](http://www.dps.texas.gov).