The Woodlands Fatal I-45 Crash Involves Deputy

**Fatal Crash on I-45 Claims One Life, Injures Two, Involving MCSO Deputy**

THE WOODLANDS, TX – A catastrophic early morning collision on Southbound I-45 near Research Forest Drive in The Woodlands on Saturday, April 20, 2024, resulted in one fatality and left another individual in critical condition. The incident, which occurred around 3:15 AM, also involved a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) patrol vehicle.

According to preliminary reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), an MCSO Deputy, identified as C.L. Allen, was operating their patrol vehicle on Southbound I-45 when a silver sedan, traveling at an extremely high rate of speed, rear-ended the deputy’s car. The severe impact propelled both vehicles into the concrete median barrier. The sedan subsequently burst into flames.

Tragically, the male driver of the silver sedan was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the injuries sustained in the crash. His female passenger was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the sedan’s occupants, pending notification of next of kin.

Deputy Allen, thankfully, did not sustain serious injuries and was treated on-site by emergency medical personnel.

The fiery crash and subsequent investigation prompted a complete shutdown of Southbound I-45 for several hours Saturday morning, causing significant traffic delays as responders worked the scene and cleared debris. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the ongoing investigation into the specifics of the collision, including factors contributing to the high-speed impact and the subsequent fire.

Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety.