HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two drivers were hospitalized after a violent crash on Houston’s south side that left a neighborhood without power.

An 18-wheeler traveling eastbound on the Southern Beltway service road crashed while trying to avoid a small silver car that allegedly ran a red light, law enforcement officials said. The semi truck still hit the car and then crashed into a power line near the S. Sam Houston Turnpike Friday afternoon.

SkyEye flew over the area to investigate the extent of the crash. There appears to be serious damage to the front of the tractor section of the truck on the grassy median.

“I had to drag the truck driver out,” said Calvin Russell, an electrician who worked with his brother nearby.

Both men said it was clear that the driver of the silver car was more seriously injured. He was transported in critical condition.

After the accident, the surrounding workplaces were immediately plunged into darkness.

“As I was turning the lights on, they flickered. They went out. Then I walked over and saw the tragedy,” said Roderick Brown, a barber at a nearby strip mall. he said. “It was bad. They were resuscitating the guy, then they took him away. I hope they’re okay.”

Other businesses kept their doors open and held handwritten signs reading “Cash Only” in an effort to stay in business.

Traffic on the Southern Ring Road was not affected by the accident. The investigation is being conducted by District 7 Deputy Chiefs of Police.

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