Overview
- First responders found that a commercial fuel tanker crashed into a highway barrier and a utility pole and exploded late Tuesday night, leaving the semi completely engulfed in flames and a victim dead in the wreckage.
- All southbound lanes of I-35E at Dickerson Parkway and affected lanes of the President George Bush Turnpike were closed, and TxDOT issued detour guidance to reroute traffic onto the turnpike.
- Crews reported a substantial hazardous fuel spill and badly damaged retaining walls and roadway infrastructure, which required specialized hazmat operations and heavy-duty wreckers to remove the charred tanker.
- Carrollton police and fire officials said the cause of the crash is unclear, an investigation is underway, and the victim’s identity has not been released.
- The closures have produced heavy morning gridlock on major North Texas commuter routes and officials say lanes will remain closed until cleanup and structural repairs are complete, so drivers should expect continued delays and follow official detours.