KINGWOOD, Texas – Four Houston firefighters are on the road to recovery after their fire truck was struck by an 18-wheeler early Sunday on the Eastex Freeway near Northpark Drive in Kingwood.
The crew from Engine 104 was responding to a separate crash and blocking traffic when the 18-wheeler hit another vehicle, which then struck the firefighters’ apparatus, according to Houston police. All four were transported to HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood with injuries, none considered life-threatening.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz visited the hospitalized firefighters Sunday to check on their progress.
The firefighters have been identified as Captain Iris Rodriguez, Firefighter Benjamin Abbott, Firefighter Colbey Bailey, and Engineer Operator Jason Thompson.
Tonight, with @HoustonFire Chief Muñoz, I visited Houston firefighters Ben Abbott, Colbey Bailey, and Engineer Operator Jason Thompson, who were injured while on duty.
— Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) December 1, 2025
Please keep them and their families in your prayers, and continue to lift up all of Houston’s first responders. pic.twitter.com/lZJFtK2cMb
Rodriguez was released shortly after evaluation. Thompson and Abbott are expected to be discharged soon, and Bailey underwent successful surgery and is now recovering, officials said.
“We are incredibly thankful that all four of our members are on the road to recovery,” Chief Muñoz said. “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers our firefighters face every day. We urge all drivers to slow down, move over, and stay alert when approaching emergency scenes.”
The driver of the 18-wheeler was also hospitalized. Police continue to investigate the crash, including whether alcohol was a factor. The Eastex Freeway was closed for several hours Sunday morning while crews responded.
Officials ask the public to keep the firefighters and their families in their thoughts as they continue healing.