Driver of 18-wheeler killed in fiery crash on South Side, police say
Crash occurred around 10 p.m. near NB I-37, Loop 1604
SAN ANTONIO – An 18-wheeler carrying molasses went off I-37 and crashed onto Loop 1604 just before going into an embankment and bursting into flames, killing the driver, San Antonio police said.
The crash happened around 10 p.m. northbound on I-37 heading into San Antonio.
According to police, the 18-wheeler pulling a tanker for an unknown reason drifted to the right, struck a guardrail and then into a bridge abutment.
Police said the big rig flew off the overpass onto Loop 1604 where it landed in the center lane of eastbound Loop 1604.
The tractor and trailer separated and the trailer ruptured, spilling molasses onto Loop 1604, police said.
SAPD said a Dodge Caravan heading westbound on Loop 1604 was struck by either the truck or the trailer. The tractor went through a guardrail and came to rest on the embankment under the overpass and burst into flames, police said.
The driver of the 18-wheeler was killed in the crash, burned beyond recognition. The driver has not been identified.
The trailer came to rest just north of the intersection between the highway and access road, police said.
The two people in the Dodge Caravan were taken to Brooke Army Medical Center for minor injuries.
The access road has been closed for several hours so emergency crews could work.
The San Antonio Police Department, the San Antonio Fire Department, and EMS all answered the call.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.