The father of two young children who were ejected from a vehicle during a highway crash near Houston, Texas, is expected to face criminal charges, according to authorities. The incident took place on Sunday on the I-10 East Freeway.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described the incident as a "two-car crash where one of the cars flipped over several times causing ejection." The overturned vehicle resulted in the ejection of several individuals, including a four-year-old and a one-year-old child.

Shocking video footage captured at the scene showed the two toddlers, dressed only in diapers, stranded on the highway before being rescued. The children were reportedly not secured in car seats at the time of the crash, according to Deputy Thomas Gilliland of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

The children are currently being treated at a local hospital and are listed in "serious but stable condition," according to updates provided by the sheriff's office. Their father, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, sustained minor injuries and has since been released from medical care.

Under Texas state law, children under the age of 8 are required to be secured in a child safety seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that child safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 54% for toddlers between the ages of one and four. In 2022, it was found that 39% of children killed in traffic crashes were not properly restrained.

Although no formal charges have been filed yet, the sheriff's office has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. They have indicated that charges against the father are likely forthcoming.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of properly securing children in vehicles and adhering to safety regulations. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for both the individuals involved and for broader discussions surrounding child safety and traffic laws.