A pre-dawn wrong-way crash on the South Freeway in Fort Worth shut the southbound express lanes today and sent at least two people to local hospitals, according to officials. Fire crews extricated the wrong-way driver after he was pinned beneath a semi-truck; injuries reported by authorities were not believed to be life‑threatening. Traffic was rerouted while crews worked south of Meacham Boulevard.
Crash Details
The collision happened around 2:15 a.m. near East Morningside Drive, when a vehicle heading north in the southbound lanes hit three vehicles, two semi‑trucks and a city‑owned vehicle, FOX 4 reported. Firefighters freed the wrong‑way driver from beneath one of the semis and took him to a hospital with injuries officials described as non‑life‑threatening. A semi‑truck driver was also transported with minor injuries. Fort Worth police said a traffic detective is investigating.
Investigation And Traffic Impact
Southbound express lanes stayed shut south of Meacham Boulevard into the morning with no reopening estimate. Cleanup and the investigation slowed the South Freeway corridor as tow trucks cleared debris and investigators documented the scene. Police asked drivers to avoid the area while they worked.
Why Wrong‑Way Crashes Are So Dangerous
Wrong‑way crashes are uncommon but often severe because of high‑speed, head‑on impacts. The National Transportation Safety Board has identified alcohol impairment as a major factor and recommends better signage, lighting, and enforcement as countermeasures. NTSB research highlights the elevated fatality risk in these collisions.
Legal Notes
Authorities said they are investigating whether alcohol played a role. Under Texas law, prosecutors can pursue intoxication‑related charges if evidence supports it and serious injury results. See Texas Penal Code §49.07 for the intoxication‑assault statute.
Fort Worth police and fire officials remained on scene through the morning. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
