Overturned Tanker Causes Massive Traffic Gridlock

BELLAIRE, Texas - Officials have reopened the West Loop even though workers are still offloading fuel from an overturned tank truck. The tanker spilled a significant amount of its load before noon Friday, forcing a total freeway closure that then sparked a gridlock on most highways in the Houston area.

The truck fell on its side while turning onto the I-610 feeder road at Bellaire Boulevard around 11:30 a.m. Friday. A Texas Department of Transportation Spokeswoman said the truck was carrying 8,000 pounds of fuel when it overturned.

Fire crews covered the spill with foam and blocked traffic in the area.

The roadways finally reopened before 8 p.m. Friday, after the Bellaire Fire Department determined gas readings have improved enough to reopen the main lanes; however, the southbound feeder road at Bellaire will remain closed for the time being.

Workers have offloaded all of the fuel but crews are still working to clean up the spill on the ground.

Officials identified the spilled petrochemical as a type of fuel, but did not suggest it posed any harm to surrounding communities. However, several businesses were evacuated as a precaution.

The accident caused traffic on 610 to remain backed up several miles in both directions. Surrounding side streets were also congested due to drivers being forced off the freeway.

By the evening rush-hour traffic, most highways in the Houston area were gridlocked.

The wrecked truck is owned by Oil Patch Brazos Valley Incorporated, according to TXDOT. The condition of the truck's driver is not known, and no other injuries were reported.

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