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1st Houston storm-related lawsuit alleges failures after deadly crane collapse

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man who survived a crane collapse that killed another man has filed the first lawsuit following last week’s deadly storm.

Crosby Ware, 66, suffered severe head, neck, and back injuries, according to attorney Kevin Haynes of Kherkher Garcia, LLP.

Ware is suing Sesco Cement, ASI Industrial, Lampson International, and McRay Crane & Rigging, all of which operate in the 7300 block of Wingate along the Houston Ship Channel.

The high winds toppled two cranes at the job site on the evening of May 16 as the storm was rolling through Houston. A video circulating on social media shows the unsteady and chaotic moments. Workers ran for their lives.

One crane hit two occupied cement trucks. Juan Francisco Hernandez, 72, was killed by a direct hit. What appears to be cabling from the crane hit Ware’s cab.

“It just threw his body around violently and severely hurt him,” Haynes said. “He is lucky to be alive.”

According to the lawsuit, the companies’ “gross negligence and conscious decision to value profits over safety” resulted in “catastrophic” injuries. Winds are believed to have been between 90 and 100 mph.

“Our position is, at the minimum, the crane should have been cradled, and the guys should have been in a muster area to render them safe if not completely shut down,” Haynes said.

The location where the incident happened is Sesco’s national headquarters, according to its website.

Online Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) records show Sesco was fined nearly $100,000 in 2021 for various health and safety violations at the location. Sesco did not respond to a request for comment.

Hernandez’s family is represented by The Pinkerton Law Firm.

On Monday, SkyEye captured the two cranes still lying where they fell. Ware’s attorneys also filed a temporary restraining order to preserve the scene.

For more on this story, follow Jessica Willey on FacebookX and Instagram.

SEE ALSO: Mom of 4 moving SUV during storm among at least 8 killed during Thursday’s severe weather

Water, ice, food distribution center opens through Wednesday in Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club campus

With at least 8,000 Spring Branch residents without power, local officials invite Spring Branch residents to cool down in buses and pick up water, food, and ice.

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

The Spring Branch community in Precinct 4 is struggling to recover from Thursday’s derecho event as they are without power since Thursday as of Monday morning.

As a result, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank opened a water, ice and food distribution center on Monday at the Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club located at 8575 Pitner Rd, Houston, TX 77080. 

“There are 8,000 people without power just in this immediate area,” Briones said during the press conference. “There’s 900 children under the age of 5 in this immediate area without power right here in the Pitner Road area.”

Local officials reported at least 50 apartment units left “completely unlivable” in the east Spring Branch area.

The Houston Food Bank will provide ice, water, fruit, and snacks to impacted residents “no questions asked,” assured Briones. 

The center will be open for distribution Monday, May 20 – Wednesday, May 22, and will operate from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said that METRO buses will park onsite to serve as cooling buses. Mobile clinics are also onsite. 

“You don’t need to suffer in the heat; we have cooling centers around the county distribution sites for food and water and ice,” Briones told Que Onda Magazine following the press conference.

“We’re here for you, we will keep working until every single person has power and until all the debris is picked up.”

The Spring Branch, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove communities were particularly hard hit by Thursday’s devastating storm. As of Monday morning, Spring Branch residents have struggled without power since Thursday. 

“All of our food has gone bad,” said Spring Branch resident Judy Diaz who has been without power since Thursday. 

The Diaz household has one generator cooling down one room which is incurring them to “run out of money.”

“We just came over to get some ice and water. You run out of money in situations like this having to buy gas for generators twice or three times a day. It’s hard but we’ve been through something like this before but we’re trying to get through it.”

Despite having to deal with their own storm debris such as their fallen fence and branches, Diaz and her husband said they are helping their neighbors. 

“Neighbors helping neighbors, that’s the way it’s got to be.”

The commissioner also gave instructions for residents facing struggles:

  • Call 3-1-1 for all non-emergency needs or Harris County Precinct 4: 832-927-4444
  • Remain vigilant when you’re driving as many traffic lights are still out. 
  • “The debris if you can help us get on to the curb please clear the roads, we will come for the debris,” Briones said. 
  • For trauma and mental health support call the Harris Center for Mental Health line: 713-970-7000.

“Please if there’s anything you can do to supplement what the city and the county and METRO are doing,” Briones said, “ we welcome you.”

For more cooling centers around the city and county, please view our previous article: 

Cooling centers, water & ice distribution, local and federal assistance available for those impacted by severe storm

Una advertencia para Houston: Cómo prevenir el golpe de calor a medida que las temperaturas comienzan a subir a los tres dígitos

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston está comenzando a secarse después de un período de clima severo e inundaciones, ¡pero eso significa que está haciendo más calor!

Esta semana, la temperatura está en los 90 grados; cuando se tiene en cuenta la humedad, se sentirá más cerca de los 100 grados. Un médico de emergencia del Memorial Hermann Memorial City advierte a las personas que presten atención a sus cuerpos.

Los signos de agotamiento por calor incluyen sudoración intensa y un pulso rápido, que alertan que su cuerpo se está sobrecalentando. También puede experimentar calambres musculares, fatiga, dolor de cabeza o mareos. Sin embargo, un golpe de calor es mucho más grave. Ocurre cuando la temperatura de su cuerpo supera los 104 grados y comienza a sentirse confundido.
Para evitar estas condiciones, los expertos recomiendan usar ropa holgada y de colores claros y limitar el tiempo al aire libre durante el día. Tenga en cuenta que el calor suele ser más intenso entre las 4 p.m. y las 6 p.m.

Si no puede evitar estar al aire libre por períodos prolongados, es esencial encontrar un área fresca para descansar y tomar descansos frecuentes. También es extremadamente importante nunca dejar a un niño o animal en un vehículo por ningún período de tiempo.

Los niños pueden sobrecalentarse cuatro veces más rápido que los adultos. Siempre revise su automóvil antes de salir para asegurarse de que no haya nadie adentro.

El Dr. Joshua Feinstein dijo que la mayoría de las personas afectadas por el calor necesitan líquidos, alimentos y descanso en temperaturas más frescas. Sin embargo, advirtió que la enfermedad repetida por calor puede llevar a una lesión grave por calor.

“Si esas mismas personas repiten ese esfuerzo al aire libre y no se mantienen hidratadas, y tal vez hacen demasiado la segunda vez que lo hacen en un corto período de tiempo, empeora aún más”, dijo.

También es importante mantenerse hidratado. Si está expuesto al aire libre, debe beber alrededor de ocho onzas de agua cada 20 minutos. Esto ayudará con la pérdida de humedad que experimentará al sudar.

También se aconseja a las personas que eviten bebidas altas en cafeína y azúcar.

Para actualizaciones sobre esta historia, siga a Briana Conner en Facebook, X e Instagram.

Disfrutan 90 mil personas a Carín León en MacroFest en Nuevo León

El cuarto MacroFest del 2024 aplaude y canta a Carín León, celebrando el Bicentenario de Nuevo León.

Por Alejandro González

Carin León imprimió su estilo en Nuevo León para conquistar con sus éxitos a los regios que rompieron récord de asistencia en la Explanada de Los Héroes en una edición más del MacroFest.
 
El gran escenario de La Macro recibió el cuarto MacroFest de 2024 que, en el marco de los 200 años de Nuevo León fue un magnífico escenario que dio el encuadre perfecto para cantar con la multitud que se dio cita.
 
La nueva edición de esta gran tradición de convivencia familiar, diseñada para todas las edades y públicos tuvo la participación de elencos que se unieron a esta gran fiesta popular, convocada por el Gobierno del Estado de Nuevo León.
 
Desde la tarde, conjuntando música y ritmo, entró al escenario La Costumbre, con sus éxitos Quiero decirte, Cómo olvidarte, Y ya después, así como Adoro y Cuanto te amo.
 
Posteriormente, tomaron el control del escenario Braulio Mata, Kakalo y Calín, complaciendo al público con sus canciones: Te lo pido por favor, Ni tú ni nadie, De piedra a papel, Pongámonos de acuerdo, y Te dejo por La Paz, entre muchas otras.
 
Carín León, que recientemente abrió un concierto de los Rolling Stones en Arizona, fue recibido con una estruendosa ovación, particularmente por sus fanáticos que desde primera hora de la mañana de este domingo se hicieron presentes para estar en primera fila frente al imponente escenario.
 
Al sonar las primeras notas de sus canciones, todas las voces se unieron para corearlas. Te vi con él, Soñador eterno, Qué más puedo pedir, Primera cita y Según quién fueron algunas de las interpretaciones de su repertorio que dentro del género de regional mexicano le ha llevado a una intensa popularidad más allá de nuestras fronteras.
 
Su talento ha sido aplaudido y premiado con galardones como los Grammy Latino y su arraigo entre el público de Nuevo León fue notorio al caer la noche de este domingo caluroso que recibió al artista.
 
Se contó con la presencia de diferentes dependencias para cuidar y atender a los asistentes, como Protección Civil, Atención Ciudadana y servicios de apoyo para emergencias, personal de tránsito y de seguridad, junto con la participación en logística de la Secretaría de Cultura, en los operativos que se coordinan en cada MacroFest para que la experiencia, nivel y profesionalismo de cada uno de ellos sea memorable para todos, en estos emblemáticos eventos que se ofrecen de entrada libre.
 
Se reportó una asistencia aproximada de más de más 90 mil personas en el magno espectáculo.

Esta nueva tradición que inició el Gobierno de Nuevo León desde hace poco más de un año permite que todas las familias de Nuevo León puedan asistir y disfrutar de estos grandes espectáculos en un ambiente de paz, tranquilidad y convivencia dentro del MacroFest para todos.
 
¡Que suenen los 200 Nuevo León!

90-degree weather continues this week, feeling hotter as we add tropical-like humidity

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The sunny and warm weather this weekend was just a taste of what’s to come later this week. By Tuesday we’ll add in tropical-like humidity, which could send feels like temperatures into the triple digits for the first time this year.

Temperatures Monday morning will start off in the low 70s. A few areas of fog are possible once again, which will be mainly west and south of Houston. Otherwise Monday will be another sunny and warm day, just like what we had this weekend. You may feel more of a breeze though.

What do I need to know about this week’s weather?

The heat is going nowhere, and the humidity will only get worse. That will push low temperatures higher into the upper 70s by Tuesday morning, and the heat index will climb into the mid-90s to near 100. Those who know they’ll be without power for an extended time need to consider finding a place to stay cool during this hot and steamy stretch of weather. We do have a small chance of thunderstorms returning Thursday as a front pushes into the northern part of the state.

So how many 90-degree days can we expect?

Sunday was the second day in a row with 90 degree weather, and by the end of this week we could add a few more 90-degree days to that streak. As of right now we have high temperatures staying in the low 90s over the next 10 days. The only two days where temperatures might not touch 90 is Wednesday and Thursday, and that would be because of cloud cover or storms.

Any potentially stormy days I need to be aware of next?

It’s been a pretty active month for rain and thunderstorms with 10 of the past 19 days with rain recorded at Bush Intercontinental. And while these next couple of days will be quiet, the ABC13 weather team is keeping a close eye on the next storm system that could take shape into the middle to end of next week. Thursday in particular there’s the chance that thunderstorms that develop north of Southeast Texas move from the north. There’s still a lot of variability though this far out, but as of now Thursday is Houston’s next best chance for rain and storms.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials found dead at helicopter crash site

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister, and several other officials died in a helicopter crash in Varzaghan, northwestern Iran. The crash occurred in foggy, mountainous terrain, making rescue operations challenging. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly named Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as caretaker and assured the public of government stability despite the loss.

The crash resulted in the deaths of all eight aboard, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other high-ranking officials. State media did not suggest sabotage but noted Iran’s history of aircraft maintenance issues due to Western sanctions. Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blamed the U.S. for the tragedy, citing sanctions as a barrier to acquiring necessary aviation parts.

The incident comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, with ongoing regional tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran’s recent drone-and-missile attack on Israel. Raisi, a hard-liner with close ties to Khamenei, was known for his confrontational stance toward the West and his role in enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels. His government also faced mass protests over economic issues and women’s rights, further complicating the political landscape.

The helicopter crash has intensified speculation about Iran’s future leadership. Raisi was seen as a potential successor to the 85-year-old Khamenei, raising concerns about the stability of Iran’s theocratic regime. Khamenei declared five days of mourning, and condolences poured in from global leaders, reflecting the international impact of Raisi’s death.

Despite the leadership vacuum, the Iranian government pledged continuity. An emergency cabinet meeting was held, and Mokhber began receiving calls from foreign officials. Iran’s Constitution mandates a new presidential election within 50 days, signaling a period of transition and uncertainty for the nation.

Raisi’s tenure saw significant geopolitical moves, including support for Russia in Ukraine and arming proxy groups in the Middle East. His death marks a critical juncture for Iran as it navigates internal and external challenges amidst a backdrop of economic hardship and regional instability.

Southeast Texas schools announce reopening plans following destructive storm

TEXAS (KTRK) — In the wake of Thursday’s severe weather, school districts across southeast Texas have announced their decisions on whether to reopen on Monday as they continue to recover from the storm’s impact.

Tomball ISD officials announced that classes will resume on Monday. Their decision comes after extensive debris cleanup and the restoration of electricity to all schools and buildings within the district.

For Houston ISD, the situation is mixed; some schools will reopen but others will remain are closed. Parents are advised to check if their student’s school has been listed among those expected to reopen on Monday.

SEE HISD’S LIST OF OPEN SCHOOLS HERE

According to HISD, the listed schools have power, functioning cooling systems, and food. Any campus not listed by 9 p.m. on Sunday will not be open Monday.

SEE ORIGINAL REPORT: HISD releases list of select campuses that will open on Monday after closures due to deadly storm

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has announced that all its schools will remain closed. In a statement, the district cited travel safety concerns due to the number of broken traffic lights and debris on the roads. Additionally, many of their campuses and families are still without power. CFISD plans to reassess the situation and will provide an update on Monday about Tuesday’s status.

Spring Branch ISD has also announced that it will be closed. The district said that as of noon Sunday, about 70% of their campuses still lacked power. They plan to continue monitoring their facilities and power restoration and will provide a daily update by 4 p.m. Monday regarding school for Tuesday.

In contrast, Cleveland ISD will open Monday. In a statement they confirmed that all their campuses and facilities will be open and operating as normal.

Parents and students are encouraged to stay informed through district communications for the latest updates.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

HISD publica lista de campus seleccionados que abrirán el lunes después de cierres debido a una tormenta mortal.


HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Houston ha publicado una lista de escuelas que se espera abran el lunes 20 de mayo, después de cierres debido a una tormenta peligrosa que se desarrolló el jueves por la tarde y que produjo tornados y vientos dañinos.

Si la escuela de su estudiante está en la lista, el campus tiene electricidad, un sistema de enfriamiento completamente funcional y servicio de alimentos listo para servir.

El distrito dijo que si la escuela de su hijo no aparece en la lista, debe buscar más información entre las 4 p.m. y las 9 p.m. Las actualizaciones continuarán hasta la noche del domingo, según los funcionarios del distrito.

Cualquier campus que no esté en la lista para las 9 p.m. HISD declara que estará cerrado pero funcionará como un centro de distribución de comidas para estudiantes entre las 7 a.m. y las 9 a.m., y luego entre las 11 a.m. y la 1 p.m.

VER LA LISTA COMPLETA DE ESCUELAS AQUI

El Superintendente del HISD, Mike Miles, inspeccionó los daños en la Escuela Primaria Sinclair el sábado, una de las escuelas del distrito más afectadas por las fuertes lluvias y los vientos de 100 mph. Ramas de árboles, escombros y aislamiento estaban esparcidos fuera de los cimientos del edificio.

Fue una de las cuatro escuelas que sufrieron más daños. Las Escuelas Primarias Pugh, Robinson y Paige sufrieron ventanas rotas y árboles caídos; sin embargo, los funcionarios dijeron que los edificios son estructuralmente sólidos.

Hasta el sábado, 77 campus estaban sin electricidad. Las cuadrillas han trabajado sin parar para restaurar la electricidad después de que 136 escuelas se vieron afectadas.

Según la herramienta de seguimiento de cortes de CenterPoint, 325,546 clientes seguían sin electricidad hasta la mañana del domingo. La compañía dijo que está trabajando en los esfuerzos de restauración que se completarán el miércoles.

El distrito envió un mensaje el domingo, diciendo que una distribución gratuita de alimentos y suministros se llevará a cabo el lunes y martes para apoyar a las familias afectadas por los eventos climáticos severos de la semana pasada.

Esta noticia proviene de nuestro socio de noticias, ABC13 Houston.

Cooling centers, water & ice distribution, local and federal assistance available for those impacted by severe storm

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By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Federal Assistance and Local Resources Available Following Southeast Texas Storms

On Friday, President Joe Biden declared the recent severe weather events in Southeast Texas as a major disaster, unlocking federal funding for recovery efforts in the region. This declaration will aid state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on April 26, 2024.

Federal aid can be utilized for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to assist individuals and business owners in their recovery. FEMA will coordinate the federal response, and those affected can apply for assistance online, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA app.

As Harris County continues to recover from the recent extreme weather, various agencies are stepping up to provide assistance. Below is a list of resources currently available:

General Information

  • Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For tips on staying cool, visit: Houston Emergency – Extreme Heat Tips
  • Never operate a generator indoors. If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and report to CenterPoint at 713-659-2111.
  • Report water leaks, loss of water services, fallen trees, or malfunctioning traffic lights by calling 311 or 713-837-0311.
  • Houston Public Works assures that drinking water operations are unaffected and safe to drink. Report any water service issues to 311 or 713-837-0311.
  • For further assistance, call 346-286-2125. Stay updated via Ready Harris.

Cooling Centers from the City of Houston

  • Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at W. Gray: 1745 W. Gray St., Houston, TX 77019. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77091. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Kingwood Community Center: 4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77345. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Woodlands Community Center: 212 Parkview St., Houston, TX 77009. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Water & Ice Distribution Points

  • Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market St., Houston, TX 77020. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Salvation Army: 12507 Windfern Rd., Houston, TX 77064. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Salvation Army: 4026 N. Interwood, Houston, TX 77032. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additional Cooling Centers in Harris County
25 locations across Harris County are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this weekend. Locations include:

  • Aldine Branch Library: 11331 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037
  • Atascocita Branch Library: 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive, Humble, TX 77346
  • Bayland Community Center : 6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX, 77074 (open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
  • Bellaire Public Library: 5111 Jessamine, Bellaire, TX 77401
  • Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library: 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062
  • Kingwood Branch Library: 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood, TX 77339
  • Tracey Gee Community Center: 3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042   (open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. )

Cooling, Charging, and Food/Water Distribution Center from Harris County Precint 4

Bayland Community Center 

  • Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 
  • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
  • 2:30 p.m. – Food Distribution 

Cooling and Charging Center 

Tracey Gee Community Center  

  • Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 
  • 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

Food/Water Distribution Centers  

Radack Community Center 

  • Saturday, May 18 
  • 10 a.m. – Ice & Water Distribution  
  • 2:30 p.m. – Food Distribution 

Weekley Community Center 

  • Saturday, May 18 
  • 2:30 p.m. – Food Distribution

High-Risk Individuals
For those needing power for medical devices, call 911 and ensure they are registered with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).

Managing Wastewater Post-Storm

  • Minimize water usage to reduce strain on the wastewater system.
  • Prepare for potential backups and use protective gear when handling wastewater.
  • Avoid contact with contaminated water in the event of a wastewater overflow.

Stay informed and safe as recovery efforts continue.

Storm recovery in Houston: CenterPoint works to restore power to half a million customers as temps are expected to rise

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston area is on the mend following devastating storms that battered the city on Thursday. However, many are still without power as temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s on Saturday.

ABC13’s Lileana Pearson was out in the Heights to survey what city officials are doing as residents wake up for a second day without air conditioning and a spoiled fridge.

Some homes had lights on and operating through a generator down Heights Boulevard.

It has been reported that nearly half a million customers across Harris County have yet to have their electricity turned back on.

CenterPoint Energy sent an email on Friday saying they have restored almost 300,000 people, but the outage tracker shows that 520,000 are without power.

Currently, CenterPoint said their primary focus is on homes and businesses. In a post on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the company said workers were out before sunrise to continue repair work.

Power in some communities is expected to be out through the weekend, with the worst-hit places, such as Cypress, being out untilearly next week.

In response to power outages and temperatures expected to reach the high 90s, several cooling centers are operating so people can cooldown, bathe, and charge their electronic devices.

At least 10 people arrived at the West University Recreation Center overnight, but officials say they will expect more as temperatures rise on Saturday.

Several cooling systems will be operating through the weekend. You can find a list here.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on FacebookX and Instagram.