HEMPSTEAD COUPLE KILLED IN ACCIDENT SUNDAY ON HIGHWAY 290 BETWEEN BRENHAM AND HEMPSTEAD

  

Update @ 8:55 a.m.: An elderly Hempstead couple was killed Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 290 between Hempstead and Brenham.

DPS Sergeant Stephen Woodard reports a Ford Escape was traveling eastbound on Highway 290 shortly after 1 p.m., when it attempted to turn onto FM 1736.

According to Woodard, the Escape failed to yield the right of way and was struck on the passenger’s side by a Toyota Highlander in the inside westbound lane.  Both vehicles came to rest in the center median of the highway.

The two inside the Escape, Gary and Janice King, both 77 years old from Hempstead, died at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Brenham.

A family of five from Austin was inside the Highlander.  According to Woodard, the mother and one of the children were taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure, but they are reported to be ok.  No other injuries were reported.

The highway was reduced to one lane in both directions for several hours after the accident.

Original Story @ 7:12 a.m.: A major accident backed up traffic on Highway 290 between Brenham and Hempstead for several hours Sunday afternoon.

At least seven people were involved in the accident, which occurred at Highway 290 near FM 1736.  Lanes were reduced to one in both directions for several hours after the accident.

Reports say several people were hospitalized, but DPS has not confirmed any hospitalizations or fatalities at this time.

KWHI is awaiting additional information from DPS, and will update this story when new information becomes available.