Lanes cleared after 18-wheeler hauling tomatoes catches fire along Southwest Fwy NB at Bellaire: HPD
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The aftermath of an 18-wheeler fire led to heavy delays along a portion of the Southwest Freeway on Thursday morning.
Houston TranStar reported the heavy truck fire just before midnight on I-69 northbound at Bellaire Boulevard, causing some right and center lanes to close. As of 11:40 a.m., the incident had cleared, and all lanes were reopened.
Flames were visible coming from the big rig at around 3:30 a.m. A Houston Police Department officer told ABC13 the truck was hauling tomatoes and was headed toward New Jersey before it caught fire.
HPD said a constable was driving on the opposite side of the freeway and reported seeing the fire spark on one of the back tires of the 18-wheeler. The officer said it appears the brakes locked up and caused the flames in the back part of the truck.
No one was injured, according to police.
Authorities said TxDOT would be inspecting to see if the structure of the freeway was damaged.
Cleanup lasted several hours as crews worked to unload the tomatoes and prevent further spillage.
