It happened on the Southwest Freeway at Elgin in southwest Houston.
Officials said the driver slammed into more than one overpass. The load was about 16 feet tall and the overpasses were 14 or 15 feet tall, authorities said.
The 18-wheeler and its tank became wedged. The accident dislodged parts of the overpasses, creating rubble.
According to officials, the crash damaged the trailer but the diesel did not leak.
All lanes were closed for several hours while crews worked to safely remove the truck and clean up the debris.
The freeway re-opened around 3:30am Saturday.
