Houston Officials Respond to Fiery Crash Involving Three 18-Wheelers
Major traffic backups occurred in Houston this morning after three large trucks crashed on North Loop eastbound near Wayside.
Police Block Freeway in Both Directions as Crews Fight Truck Accident Fire
According to ABC 13, the fiery crash occurred around 5 am Wednesday and resulted in an explosion and large fire. The fire was so large, police had to close both directions of traffic as firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Police say the crash involved three 18-wheelers, including a fuel truck that erupted into flames. Another truck was hauling compacted trash. The fire spread to all three 18-wheelers, destroying the trucks and trailers.
It is unclear what led to the crash, but one of the truck drivers told ABC 13 that the fuel truck experienced brake issues. He stated that the brakes had locked on the fuel truck and that the driver of one of the other trucks swerved to avoid the fuel truck. In doing so, the second truck crashed into the third truck.
The blaze caused significant damage to the freeway. Long-term lane closures are expected as repairs are made.
The crash remains under investigation.
2019 Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,085,643 million large trucks were registered in the United States as of 2019. More than 535,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported crashes that same year.
5,005 people were killed in truck accidents in 2019, with large trucks accounting for 10 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes. 22.9% of the truck drivers involved in these deadly crashes had previously reported crashes – this is a higher rate than any other vehicle type.
The states with the most truck accident deaths were:
- Texas: 652
- California: 408
- Florida: 349
- Georgia: 204
- Ohio: 172
Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
Thomas J. Henry Law has represented trucking accident victims across Texas for nearly 30 years. Our Houston injury attorneys are committed to our clients’ recoveries as they work to secure maximum compensation and reduce client stress.
Thomas J. Henry Law always works on a contingency fee basis, so our clients do not pay us unless and until we win their case. If you were involved in an 18-wheeler accident and have questions about what to do next, call our offices to speak with a Houston truck accident attorney. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
