HOUSTON, Texas – A man was killed, and occupants of other vehicles were transported to hospitals following a crash around 10:10 p.m. at Westheimer Road and Hillcroft Avenue.

According to the Houston Police Department, the driver was traveling westbound on Westheimer at a high rate of speed and appeared to try to drive between several vehicles. He struck multiple vehicles in the intersection and knocked down a utility pole as his vehicle came to rest.

The driver was deceased inside his vehicle and had not been identified. Occupants of the other vehicles were transported to local hospitals. One of them was reported to be in critical condition. Two others had minor injuries.

A witness heading home from work described hearing “a big pop” before motorists abruptly applied their brakes and people began getting out of their vehicles. She said traffic backed up as drivers tried to find a way out of the area.

Investigators had not determined whether drugs or alcohol were involved. Police had no indication of road rage at the time of the briefing but were continuing to investigate the circumstances.

HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division was interviewing witnesses and seeking surveillance footage from nearby businesses. The investigation remains ongoing.