FORNEY, Texas — The Forney Police Department is investigating a fiery fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler in the area of westbound U.S. Highway 80 and Pinson Road.
FORNEY, Texas — The Forney Police Department is investigating a fiery fatal crash involving an 18-wheeler in the area of westbound U.S. Highway 80 and Pinson Road.
At approximately 11:51 a.m., the Forney Police Department and Forney Fire Department were dispatched to the area of westbound U.S. Highway 80 and the north service road just west of Pinson Road for a crash involving an 18-wheeler and at least one other vehicle.
The 18-wheeler collided with several trees north of the north service road and erupted in flames.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, of Colorado, was transported to Baylor, Scott & White Hospital in Forney where he was later pronounced deceased, according to officials. His identity has not been released as of a Monday night update.
The westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 80 and the service road were closed immediately following the crash. Just before 12:45 p.m., the westbound lanes of the highway were reopened.
Mutual aid was requested from the Terrell Fire Department, Crandall Fire Department, and Sunnyvale Fire Department.
The 18-wheeler was hauling paper and was reportedly leaking diesel fuel following the crash.
The north service road at the westbound entrance ramp to U.S. Highway 80 in front of Bank of America is expected to remain closed indefinitely while police investigate the crash and HAZMAT crews work to cleanup a 50-75 gallon diesel fuel spill into a nearby creek.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been called in to assist in the crash investigation.
This is a developing story.