Tanker truck carrying gallons of fuel catches fire on US-90 near Fondren, officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Fire Department confirmed one person has died after a large 18-wheeler fire erupted Saturday morning.

Just before 10 a.m., firefighters responded to Fondren and South Main after reports of a truck on fire.

At the scene, officials closed all lanes as the fire continued to grow, with smoke blanketing the area and visible for miles on Houston TranStar cameras.

According to officials, the truck was carrying 8,800 gallons of fuel on board. HFD posted the wreckage on social media, where the front half of the severely damaged truck was hanging off the side of the roadway.

The driver of that truck was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials did not elaborate on the cause of the fire or how the tanker crashed.

ABC13 was on scene and spoke with a woman nearby who said she had to evacuate her salon as the fire and smoke surrounded the area.

Officials confirmed that a firefighter was taken to the Texas Medical Center for heat exhaustion.

The southbound lanes will be closed as crews work to clear the scene and determine the cause of the incident.

To stay up to date with the latest information, watch Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.