A teenager was killed when a car racing another vehicle crashed in northwest Harris County, officials told KPRC Local 2.

Harris County sheriff's deputies said the crash happened on West Little York near Eldridge Parkway shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday.

Officials said the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta swerved to avoid another vehicle and crashed into a tree.

"As they approached slower traffic, one of the vehicles, a Volkswagen Jetta, attempted to avoid the slower traffic," Sgt. Glenn Wolverton said. "In doing so he lost control of his vehicle, went into a sideways skid and struck a tree on the passenger side."

The front-seat passenger, 15-year-old Sydney Owens, was killed, officials said.

Deputies said the Jetta broke into three pieces upon impact.

The unlicensed 15-year-old driver, a 17-year-old male passenger and a 14-year-old female passenger were taken by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital. They were listed in serious condition.

Deputies said the vehicle the teen was racing stopped briefly and then sped off.

Investigators said they planned to talk to the driver to get a description of the vehicle he was racing.

The driver could eventually face charges of criminally negligent homicide, officials said.

All lanes of West Little York were closed for about four hours.