A routine Monday afternoon in Houston's Second Ward turned chaotic when a truck and its attached trailer burst into flames at a scrap yard, sending thick black smoke over Lockwood Drive and Avenue J and leaving four people injured. Firefighters rushed in, shut down streets around the scene, and mounted a multi-unit attack on the stubborn blaze while hazardous materials teams were later called to help contain burning debris, as reported by ABC13.
Crews were dispatched around 4:20 p.m. after reports of a truck on fire at a scrap yard near Lockwood Drive and Avenue J, according to ABC13. Aerial footage from SkyEye showed firefighters battling the flames from above as smoke poured over the area. ABC13 reported that at least one person was taken to a hospital and others were treated at the scene, and officials on the ground had not yet determined what started the fire.
HazMat Called In After Water-Supply Snags
Firefighters did not have it easy once they arrived. Local coverage and scene footage showed that crews ran into water-supply complications and requested HazMat support to help identify possible chemicals in the truck's load, according to FOX 26 Houston. That reporting showed firefighters shifting tactics to limit the spread of smoke and flames while aerial units kept watch overhead. Video of the incident ricocheted across local feeds as crews worked into the evening to fully knock down the fire.
Dozens Respond, Four Hurt, Cause Under Investigation
The Houston Fire Department reported that 58 personnel from multiple stations, including HazMat 22 and Rescue 42, responded to the incident at 4760 Avenue J near Lockwood at Navigation. According to the Houston Fire Department, three occupants of the vehicle were transported with burn injuries, and a bystander was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation. The Houston Police Department assisted with traffic control, and Public Works was notified to provide equipment and handle cleanup. Arson investigators were requested to determine the cause and origin of the blaze, and the department directed media inquiries to the HFD newsroom at 832-394-6709 or [email protected].
