Man Dies Trying to Destroy Truck for Insurance Money

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police say the owner of a tractor-trailer was killed trying to wreck the truck to collect insurance money.

It happened along the Eastex Freeway feeder road near the North Loop around 2am. Police say the 26-year-old man behind the wheel died when he jumped out of his rig. Detectives told Eyewitness News the death was an accident.

Investigators believe the driver was trying to crash his 18-wheeler into a freeway support column to collect insurance money.

A witness stated that just before the truck wheels hit the curb, the driver jumped out of the cab. The driver hit his head on the ground and was knocked unconcious. He was later pronounced dead.

Authorities say the driver of an SUV following the truck was supposed to be behind the wheel, but decided against it at the last minute. He was questioned by investigators.

Part of the feeder road was blocked while police investigated.