Lanes open after an 18-wheeler fire on US-75 in Plano

A vehicle fire along U.S. Highway 75 in Collin County Wednesday morning delayed traffic in the area into the afternoon.

According to the Plano Fire Department, a tanker truck heading northbound on US-75 tipped over onto its side and caught fire after a crash near Parker Road at about 5 a.m.

Officials said three other vehicles were involved in the crash: two vehicles and another 18-wheeler.

Until further notice, NB 75 at Parker Rd will be shut down due to a traffic crash resulting in a tractor-trailer fire.

The cause of the crash is still being determined, and the extent of injuries is unknown. Traffic investigators are en route.

05:11 am

— Plano Police (Texas) (@PlanoPoliceDept) August 2, 2023

Capt. Michael Carr with the Plano Fire Department said two people were hurt during the crash, but they are expected to recover.

Officials said the tanker was carrying unleaded fuel. According to the Plano Fire Department, crews could not begin the cleanup process until the flames were out to prevent any issues with runoff into the sewer system or reignition in the grass.

Once the clean-up is completed and the tanker is towed away, Carr said officials with TXDOT will then have to assess the roadway to make sure it is structurally safe before reopening it completely.

As of 12:30 p.m., three lanes had been reopened with one lane and the service road remaining closed to traffic. Delays should be expected for drivers traveling northbound and southbound through the area, officials said.

There is no timeline for when the crash will be cleared, but the Plano Fire Department said it could be the rest of the day before the highway is reopened again.

Update from @PlanoFireRescue : Crews are waiting to clean up the 18-wheeler fire until all the flames are out. It’s likely Highway 75 northbound at Parker Rd will be closed most of the day. Southbound lanes still open. @NBCDFW @KRLD @krldtraffic

➡️ https://t.co/VudEE9E4Da pic.twitter.com/2jnNgQU0yi

— Alanna Quillen (@AlannaNBC5) August 2, 2023

Firefighters are also battling heat. Throughout the morning, it was hot enough outside to cause Plano Fire-Rescue to rotate crews since this is expected to be a daylong process.

"We've actually had people come out and bring food and drinks for the guys as well, we're very thankful for that," said Carr. "During this time we're going to continue to monitor all of the people out here on scene to make sure they stay safe and hydrated, with the heat that's coming later today."

6:39am- Fire on 75 northbound at Parker Rd could burn for several hours. Avoid 75 through at least the afternoon. @nbcdfw #DFWTraffic pic.twitter.com/dIae4ehf3e

— Samantha Davies (@SDaviesNBC5) August 2, 2023

North Texas drivers are recommended to take George Bush/190 and travel north from there until they pass Parker Road as they make their morning commutes.

According to officials, the incident is still under investigation.

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