Fiery big rig crash kills dad, ejects children on Texas freeway

HOUSTON, Texas -- Two small boys were ejected after a big rig crash and left to watch their father burn to death on the North Freeway.

Deputies said the feeder roads remain closed at Aldine Bender, but the main lanes have reopened after this horrific and devastating crash that has torn a family apart.

Katherine Whaley says you can use Airline Drive or the Hardy Toll Road to get around the accident.

The 5-year-old boy and his 2-year-old brother suffered burns and other injuries. The older child was able to help the toddler get away from the wreck. They have been taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment.

Their mother was said to be completely unaware of what happened because she was traveling in an RV far ahead of the big rig. Deputies worked to reunite the woman with her children.

Harris County Sheriff's deputies say the family was on their way to Galveston, where they were moving to a new home.

Exclusive video into Eyewitness News shows the dramatic aftermath of the wreck.

Dhaval Shah was one of the first eyewitnesses on the scene. His father owns a hotel not too far from where the accident happened, and says he heard a loud boom.

When he came outside, he saw a little kid running around and a big fire covering the truck.

The boy told Shah his father had crashed into the guardrail, and the truck flipped over.

We're following this story on Eyewitness News. Watch for updates on air, online and on our mobile news app.