A diesel spill from a crashed semi-truck shut down westbound U.S. 175 in Dallas overnight, leaving thousands without power and creating a traffic nightmare expected to last through Tuesday morning.
The closure hit a major Dallas artery during peak commuting hours, with hazmat crews racing to clean up spilled diesel fuel while utility workers restored electricity to affected neighborhoods.
The semi-trailer dump truck struck a utility pole on the westbound service road around 11:15 p.m. Monday, snapping the pole in half. The impact sent power lines crashing across U.S. 175 and South Buckner Boulevard, cutting power to roughly 5,000 homes and businesses.
Dallas Fire-Rescue said the truck’s fuel tank ruptured, spilling diesel across the roadway. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
By Tuesday morning, power had been restored to most customers, though more than 100 remained without electricity. Oncor crews worked through the night alongside hazmat teams managing the cleanup.
Officials said the westbound lanes would remain closed for more than 12 hours in total, forcing major delays along the C.F. Hawn Freeway.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the truck to veer into the utility pole. The crash remains under investigation by Dallas police as cleanup efforts continue.