Driver Killed After Fuel Tanker Truck Crashes, Catches Fire In Hurst
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HURST (CBSDFW.COM) - A RaceTrac gasoline tanker truck crashed and caught fire on East Loop 820 early Saturday, killing the driver and sending burning fuel running down both sides of the freeway and into the median.
The tanker was the only vehicle involved in the accident, which happened just after 4:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Highway 10, Hurst fire officials said.
The driver, who wasn't able to escape the flames, worked for RaceTrac subsidiary, Energy Dispatch.
"I am sad to report that ... our Energy Dispatch driver did pass away in this morning's accident,' said Ashleigh Womack, director of communications for Atlanta-based RaceTrac. "The Energy Dispatch family is saddened by the death of our team member, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow team members during this difficult time."
Just after the accident the America's Best Value Inn, located across from the crash, was evacuated as a precaution, and Red Cross volunteers were called to the scene.
Both sides of the freeway were closed for hours after the accident.
Northbound lanes re-opened around 10 a.m., said Michael Peters, a TxDOT spokesman. The southbound lanes reopened around 2:50 p.m.
"Once everything gets cleared and TxDOT crews can get in there, they'll inspect the culverts under the road to check for any damage from the tanker fire," Peters said.
Officials did not know early Saturday what caused the accident but had to let the fuel burn out first.
The name of the driver was not available as of Saturday aftenoon.
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