Henry Banks IV & Curtis Houston died in Wrong-Way Crash on I-271 in Pepper Pike

A tragic wrong-way collision on I-271 near the Chagrin Boulevard exit claimed the lives of two drivers late Sunday night. The accident occurred shortly after midnight and involved a 2017 Toyota Tundra and a 2024 GMC truck, according to the Pepper Pike Police Department.

Curtis Houston, 29, of Garfield Heights, was driving the Toyota Tundra southbound in the northbound lanes when his vehicle collided head-on with a GMC truck driven by 32-year-old Henry Banks IV of Bedford Heights. The force of the crash caused one of the vehicles to catch fire. Both drivers sustained critical injuries and were transported to Hillcrest Hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Initial investigations revealed that neither Houston nor Banks was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Authorities closed the northbound lanes of I-271 for several hours to allow emergency crews to clear the scene and begin their investigation. The highway reopened early Monday morning, but questions remain about what led to the deadly incident.

Investigators are working to determine why Houston was driving in the wrong direction on the interstate. Possible factors being examined include speed, impairment, or other distractions. Witnesses who may have seen Houston’s vehicle before the crash are urged to come forward with any information that could help authorities piece together the events leading up to the collision.

This tragic crash highlights the devastating consequences of wrong-way driving. Such incidents are often fatal due to the high speeds and head-on impacts involved. The families of both drivers are now grappling with an unimaginable loss as they await answers about the circumstances that led to the accident.

Authorities continue to investigate and have called on the public for assistance in understanding the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, the Pepper Pike community is mourning the loss of two lives in an incident that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety on the roads. As the investigation progresses, officials hope to uncover factors that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.