An 18-wheeler engulfed in flames caused major traffic disruptions on I-35E near Lewisville on Wednesday morning. The tractor-trailer, carrying home goods, struck a retaining wall on northbound I-35E near Justin Road around 7:30 a.m. before its gas tank ruptured, leading to the fiery scene, according to FOX 4 News.
Fortunately, the driver was able to exit the rig unharmed. Cleanup operations, involving hazmat crews, are predicted to take several hours. Despite the disruptions, authorities managed to keep the left lane of northbound I-35E open, while the Garden Ridge exit and two right lanes were closed due to scattered debris.
Flames and smoke persisted on the scene as emergency crews decided to let the fuel burn off. This strategy, while effective for containment, did not provide a clear timeline for when the northbound lanes would fully reopen, as CBS News reported.
The impact on traffic has been significant, with delays stretching back to the Fox Avenue area. Alternate routes suggested include exiting at Fox Avenue and navigating through Garden Ridge Road to rejoin I-35E north of the accident. The repercussions of the incident tested the patience of drivers as they navigated the snarl, with wait times reaching up to an hour in some areas.
