North Texas

Driver Dies After Semi Catches Fire, Hangs Off Bridge

The driver of a tractor-trailer died Friday morning after a crash with an SUV left his cab dangling off an overpass.

Dalals police said Friday afternoon the driver of the tractor-trailer, identified as 45-year-old Russell Carpenter, of Detroit, Texas, was headed east on Interstate 30 approaching East Grand Avenue when the driver of an SUV lost control of his GMC Yukon and began to fishtail.

The driver of the SUV hit the guardrail and then swerved across all lanes of traffic before being hit broadside by the oncoming big-rig.

The collison pushed the tractor into the zipper wall where it flipped and veered back across all lanes of traffic before coming to rest partially over the overpass and catching fire.

Officials said Russell was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where he later died. Two other people involved in the crash were hospitalized in stable condition.

The roadway was closed for several hours Friday as hazmat crews removed debris and cleaned spilled fluids.

The HOV zipper was significantly damaged in the crash as was a wall of the East Grand Avenue Bridge. Officials have not said when repairs will be completed.

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