One person is dead and the southbound lanes of Interstate 35E remain closed Wednesday morning after a fuel tanker crashed and burst into flames late Tuesday night, authorities said.
Carrollton firefighters were called to southbound I-35E at Dickerson Parkway, just south of the President George Bush Turnpike, around 11 p.m., according to a report published by FOX 4.
Crews arriving at the scene found that a commercial tanker hauling fuel had struck a highway barrier and a utility pole, setting off an explosion. The semi-truck was fully engulfed when firefighters reached the wreckage. A victim was later found dead inside.
The cause of the crash has not been determined, and an investigation is ongoing.
All southbound lanes of I-35E in Carrollton were shut down Wednesday morning as heavy-duty wreckers worked to clear the burned tanker. Officials said the prolonged closure was needed to address a significant fuel spill and repair retaining walls and other infrastructure damaged in the crash.
The closure is also affecting both directions of the President George Bush Turnpike, where traffic is being rerouted.
Cleanup work is expected to continue until at least 9 a.m., with detour routes heavily congested during the morning commute.
