KAUFMAN, Texas — State Highway (SH) 243 was closed Thursday morning due to a fiery 18-wheeler vs. car crash.
KAUFMAN, Texas — State Highway (SH) 243 was closed Thursday morning due to a fiery 18-wheeler vs. car crash.
The crash was reported around 8 a.m. in the 1500 block of SH 243 between 4th and 3rd Streets. A car and an 18-wheeler rock hauler had collided causing the 18-wheeler’s fuel tanks to rupture and caught both vehicles on fire, according to Kaufman County Fire Marshal Randy Richards. The 18-wheeler had jackknifed just before the collision, according to officials.
Both east and westbound lanes were closed and traffic was diverted onto residential side streets.
Approximately 80 gallons of diesel fuel spilled as a result of the crash, according to Kaufman County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Howie. A hazardous material crew is on scene working on cleanup.
The driver of the vehicle was transported by CareFlite ambulance to Presbyterian Hospital in Kaufman, Texas, where a CareFlite medical helicopter further transported the driver to a Dallas-area hospital.
Both the driver of the vehicle and the 18-wheeler were able escape their vehicles prior to the fire.
The Kaufman Fire Department, Kaufman Police Department, and the Kaufman County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 also responded to the crash.
As of 9:45 a.m., officials said drivers should anticipate the highway being closed for at least another hour.
