FM 1960 reopens after driver decapitated in wreck

Authorities investigate a fatal accident involving an 18-wheeler and a sedan, near the intersection of FM 1960 and Walters Road, Wed., Nov. 2, 2016, in Houston. Investigators believe the male driver was going around 100 mph when he clipped the back of the truck, which sheared off the top and side of his car. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) less Authorities investigate a fatal accident involving an 18-wheeler and a sedan, near the intersection of FM 1960 and Walters Road, Wed., Nov. 2, 2016, in Houston. Investigators believe the male driver was going ... more Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close FM 1960 reopens after driver decapitated in wreck 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

FM 1960 has reopened Wednesday morning about five hours after a man died when he slammed into a big rig in northwest Harris County, forcing officials to block the road and snarling traffic.

The crash happened about 4 a.m. on westbound FM 1960 near Walters Road, said Dan Drake, an investigator with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Drake said evidence at the scene indicated the driver of a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on FM 1960 possibly at more than 100 mph when he hit the rear of a slow-moving 18-wheeler pulling away from a traffic light.

The Honda driver, Drake said, had "catastrophic" injuries. The man, whose name has not been released, was decapitated and thrown from the car during the crash. His body was found about two-dozen yards away from the Honda.

The trucker was not hurt.

Drake said a witness told investigators the man may have been racing another driver at the time of the crash, but no other evidence has been uncovered to indicate street racing.

The twisted, mangled wreckage of the car was scattered along the roadway. The driver's side of the car and roof appeared were ripped off during the crash.

The wreck forced officials to shut down all westbound lanes of FM 1960 while crews cleared the scene. The lanes reopened about 9 a.m.

Jon Shapley contributed to this report.