Driver Killed, Passenger Critically Injured in Crash and Fire on N Sam Houston Parkway

On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at approximately 12:42 a.m., a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Christopher Randall, lost control while traveling westbound on the 9600 block of N Sam Houston Parkway E service road. The vehicle struck a raised concrete curb and continued off the road, colliding with a power pole.

The impact caused power lines to fall onto the vehicle, sparking a fire in the engine bay. Emergency responders from HCEC EMS and Eastex Fire Department arrived on scene and extricated the front seat passenger, Krystle Rutkowsky. Randall was found unresponsive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Rutkowsky was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The incident remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division.