The Houston Police Department said the load was reported just after 7 a.m on Monday. It is unclear what the load contains.
According to court records, the passenger was trying to flee the scene before being struck by a responding HPD officer.
All eastbound lanes of I-10 have reopened, but officials said traffic may remain heavy.
Traffic in the area was backed up to Fry Road as crews worked to clear the 18-wheeler crash that happened just after 5 a.m Wednesday, HPD said.
A chase suspect is dead following the crash that shut down the southbound lanes early Wednesday morning.
Authorities said the truck was hauling tomatoes before it caught fire, causing backups along the freeway near Bellaire. The incident has since been cleared.