Traffic Alert: 1 dead, SB I-35E shut down in Carrollton after fiery crash

CARROLLTON, Texas - A portion of a major highway remains closed Wednesday morning following a deadly tanker truck crash and explosion late Tuesday night, according to police.

What we know:

Carrollton firefighters responded to the southbound lanes of Interstate 35E at Dickerson Parkway, just south of the President George Bush Turnpike, around 11 p.m.

First responders found that a commercial tanker truck hauling fuel had slammed into a highway barrier and a utility pole, triggering an explosion. The semi-truck was completely engulfed in flames when crews arrived. Firefighters later discovered a victim who had died in the wreckage.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, and an investigation is underway.

Parts of I-35E shut down

Local perspective:

The explosion has triggered widespread morning gridlock. All southbound lanes of I-35E in Carrollton are completely shut down, and the closure is also heavily impacting both eastbound and westbound lanes of the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT).

Crews are using heavy-duty wreckers to remove the charred remains of the tanker. Officials noted that the extended closure is necessary to clean up a substantial hazardous fuel spill and repair badly damaged retaining walls and infrastructure.

The cleanup is expected to continue until at least 9 a.m., with traffic being diverted onto the turnpike. Nearby detour routes are heavily backed up as the morning commute peaks. FOX 4 Traffic Expert Chip Waggoner advises motorists looking to avoid major delays to bypass the area entirely or use the express lanes.

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