A fiery 18-wheeler crash on I-35 near Lorena, Texas, sent two truckers to the hospital early this morning, including one man who suffered severe burns.
I-35 18-Wheeler Accident Mistaken for Fireworks Explosion
The violent wreck along I-35 South at Callan Ranch Road occurred around 2:30 a.m., shortly after a 56-year-old man from Fort Worth pulled his rig to the side of the highway so he could rest.
According to the Lorena Police Department, a second 18-wheeler driven by a 47-year-old man from Illinois veered off the interstate and collided with the parked truck.
People in the vicinity reported hearing a loud explosion, while surveillance video recorded from several miles away shows a fireball rising above the trees. Initially, many assumed a nearby fireworks stand had gone up in flames.
Severely Burned Trucker Remains Hospitalized
The 18-wheelers were still on fire when rescue crews arrived on scene.
After they pulled the 47-year-old driver from his rig, a medical helicopter transferred the severely burned man to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized. So far, authorities have not released any additional information on his condition.
“His truck was so badly burnt, you couldn’t read anything on the truck,” Lorena Police Chief Tom Dickson told the Waco Tribune-Herald. “All we know is that he was carrying some type of food product, too.”
18-Wheeler Crash Closed Section of I-35 for Hours
The other trucker was able to escape his 18-wheeler on his own. An ambulance rushed the man to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, where he was treated and released earlier today.
Authorities continue to investigate this morning’s I-35 18-wheeler crash. So far, they’ve not determined what might have caused the second rig to veer off the road.
Crews spent hours clearing the wreckage, resulting in the closure of I-35 between Exit 321 and Exit 322 for most of the morning. That section of the interstate finally reopened just before noon.
Contact Our Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consult at 1-888-603-3636 or by Using the Form on the Right or by Clicking Here
Our Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers are investigating the I-35 18-wheeler crash in Lorena and will post updates if new information becomes available.
In addition to being Undefeated, Our Houston-based attorneys have won billions, including a recent $25.3 Million Settlement, for thousands of people injured or tragically killed in connection with 18-wheeler crashes and other preventable accidents.
Call 1-888-603-3636 or use the Form on the Right or Click Here to send us a confidential email.
All consultations are free, and because we only represent clients on a contingency-fee basis, you’ll owe nothing unless we win your case.