Explosion From 18-Wheeler Snarls I-35 Traffic
Fort Worth traffic along Interstate 35 suffered significant back-ups earlier this week after an explosion and fire involving an 18-wheeler.
CBS Local in Dallas Fort Worth reports that the incident happened along Interstate 35 when a big rig jackknifed near Western Center Boulevard in north Fort Worth on Wednesday, November 11 at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Officials say that the 18-wheel rock hauler immediately caught fire. The driver of the truck was able to escape from his burning vehicle. He is reported to have suffered minor injuries in the fiery crash. Paramedics transported the truck driver to an area hospital for treatment. His identity and current condition had not been released at the time of the report.
No other injuries in connection to the accident were reported.
Traffic in the westbound lanes of Interstate 35 and southbound Alliance Gateway was obstructed for several hours. Drivers were advised by police to take alternate routes.
Black smoke from the explosion and fire could be seen several miles from the crash site. The entire cab and trailer of the commercial truck were consumed, and a considerable amount of fuel was spilled in the accident. Hazmat teams were dispatched to the area to help clean up the spilled fuel and mitigate diesel or other chemicals from causing damage to the environment.
So far, Fort Worth Police, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Fort Worth Fire Department investigators do not know what may have caused the accident resulting in a fiery explosion.
