Several northbound lanes on Sam Houston Tollway closed after driver crashes into toll plaza

A driver is dead after crashing into a toll plaza along Beltway 8 overnight, according to Harris County Precinct 5 deputies.

The crash happened just before midnight at the Central Plaza Tollway South near Tanner Road.

• Tropical Storm Bertha headed toward New Orleans, effects Houston with outer rain bands Wednesday night

Authorities said the driver crashed into the toll station before the vehicle burst into flames.

Video from the scene showed the charred remains of the mangled vehicle as Harris County Precinct 5 deputies investigated.

Officials said the driver was the only person inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Funeral home director arrested on felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $2.2M from dead man’s estate

Investigators have not released the driver’s identity.

As of 5 a.m., several northbound lanes of the West Sam Houston Tollway at Central Plaza are shut down due to the crash.

It’s unclear what caused the crash, and authorities have not said whether speed was a factor.

The investigation remains ongoing.