All lanes of the I-610 South Loop have reopened over six hours after a fire involving a gasoline tanker.
Multiple lanes were closed at Stella Link Road near NRG Park, causing traffic delays for commuters. The freeway reopened just before 10 a.m. Friday.
Around 3:30 a.m., Houston firefighters said the driver of a gasoline tanker had a blown tire, and when he pulled over, he noticed the tanker was on fire.
@HoustonFire is currently on scene at 610 near South Braeswood performing extinguishment efforts after receiving reports of a 18 wheeler on fire. No FF or civilian injuries have been reported. Please avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. @FireChiefofHFD I
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) February 24, 2023
The driver reportedly tried to put the fire out himself, but wasn’t able to and called 911.
The flames were extinguished quickly and none of the gas spilled, according to HFD. District Chief Mike Foster said 8,400 gallons of gas were on fire.
Crews had to offload the gas onto another truck before clearing the freeway, which took several hours.
@HoustonFire update: HFD Haz-Mat Units 1 & 2 are currently on location working to contain product leaking from the 18 Wheeler Tanker. Crews are also transferring the leaking product into a stable tanker. This will take at least 2hrs. Please avoid this area. @FireChiefofHFD
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) February 24, 2023