US 75 reopens 12+ hours after truck catches fire
PLANO (CBSNewsTexas.com) – A tractor trailer caught on fire Wednesday morning, blocking traffic for hours.
The fire blocked traffic going northbound on US 75 near Parker Road, closing the highway during the morning rush hour. TxDOT said the HOV lane and all main lanes will open up on Wednesday afternoon as cleanup is underway.
Wednesday evening, all lanes of 75 are open.
TxDOT says there was no damage done to the road.
Plano Fire-Rescue responded to the fire at about 5:15 a.m. When they arrived, they found the tractor trailer on its side, on fire.
Two vehicles and another tractor trailer were involved in the crash. Two people were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Michael Carr with Plano fire says. Their conditions are unknown.
UPDATE: Fire is finally out. Crews now working to sweep up debris related to crash/fire. Then, wreckers will be brought in to pick up remaining pieces of 18-wheeler. TXDOT will also need to assess 75 & see if there is any damage needing repairs pic.twitter.com/cg83SFB4I3
— Madison Sawyer (@MadisonSawyerTV) August 2, 2023
Plano Police Department PIO Andrae Smith said one of the tractor trailers lost control for an unknown reason, struck another vehicle, fell on its right side and slid on the highway until it caught on fire.
Smith said it was a Good Samaritan who helped get the driver of the tractor trailer out of the cab, ultimately saving his life.
Officials let the fire burn out rather than dousing it with water, so fuel wouldn't get into the grass or sewage. Smoke from the fire didn't pose a threat to the public.