Texas 21 crash kills Houston man near North Zulch

NORTH ZULCH — A Houston man died and a second driver went to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash on Texas 21 near Strawther Road Tuesday, June 2, the Department of Public Safety said. 

Mujeeb Kharoti, 23, died at the scene. The other driver was taken to St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital with suspected fractures. 

The crash happened about 4:34 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, on Texas 21 just east of Strawther Road, according to DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz. A 2021 Toyota Corolla driven by Kharoti was headed east. A 2019 Nissan Rogue was headed west. 

The Corolla was moving at an unsafe speed for the wet road, Ruiz said. The car lost control, crossed into the westbound lane and struck the Nissan. 

The North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department and Madisonville Fire/Rescue were called to the scene about 4:40 p.m., according to officials. Crews worked the wreck for close to two hours, and traffic was cut to one lane during the response. 

A Madisonville police officer wrecked while driving to the crash, according to officials. The patrol car hydroplaned on the wet road, and the officer was taken for evaluation. The officer is okay.