Big rig accident snarls traffic on I-10 near downtown

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Traffic was snarled on I-10 near downtown after an 18-wheeler lost its load early Saturday morning.

According to officers on the scene, the truck lost 79,000 pounds of scrap metal and engine parts. After the crash, the big rig began leaking diesel fuel across the highway and onto the HOV lanes below.

With the exception of the entrance to 45-S, all westbound lanes of I-10 have since re-opened.

Hazmat crews are on the scene. Authorities expect it will take several hours before the freeway completely reopens.

The driver said he lost control of the truck after one of his tires went flat around 3 a.m. He was not injured.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

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