Overturned 18-Wheeler Stops Traffic In Mesquite
MESQUITE (CBSDFW.COM) - An overturned 18-wheeler backed up traffic in Mesquite on Thursday morning. The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. along the ramp from westbound Highway 80 to northbound Interstate-635. Portions of both roadways were blocked as a result.
According to officials with the Texas Department of Transportation, it appears as though the truck driver simply lost control of his vehicle after the truck's load shifted on the ramp. The 18-wheeler fell to its side, hit a pillar and caught on fire.
Firefighters had a hard time getting to the driver. A special truck with a crane was called to the scene to lift up the 18-wheeler's cab so that rescue crews could retrieve the driver. He was taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas by air ambulance. His condition is not known at this time.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Meanwhile, crews started cleaning up the mess caused by the crash. A guardrail needed to be removed from the side of the road and the truck's load – believed to be processed chicken – was spilled on the ground. Officials expect the cleanup process to last through much of Thursday morning.
Some lanes along both Highway 80 and Interstate-635 in Mesquite have since reopened to traffic, however, expect delays if you are traveling in the area on Thursday morning. (Check our traffic map for alternate routes!)
