Multiple lanes were closed at Stella Link Road near NRG Park, causing traffic delays for commuters. The freeway reopened just before 10 a.m. Friday.
Around 3:30 a.m., Houston firefighters said the driver of a gasoline tanker had a blown tire, and when he pulled over, he noticed the tanker was on fire.
The driver reportedly tried to put the fire out himself, but wasn't able to and called 911.
The flames were extinguished quickly and none of the gas spilled, according to HFD. District Chief Mike Foster said 8,400 gallons of gas were on fire.
Crews had to offload the gas onto another truck before clearing the freeway, which took several hours.