News Summary
A significant fire involving a big rig on northbound I-35 near Bexar-Atascosa County caused extensive traffic disruptions early Friday morning. Emergency responders dealt with a fuel spill alongside the fire. The interstate was closed for about 12 hours for cleanup and investigation, impacting motorists significantly. Fortunately, the truck driver suffered no severe injuries, and traffic resumed by Friday night.
Bexar County, Texas
A big rig fire on northbound Interstate 35 near the Bexar-Atascosa County line caused significant traffic disruptions early Friday morning. The incident, which occurred around 2:20 a.m., prompted numerous drivers to call 911 after witnessing the truck catch fire and explode. Debris from the explosion was scattered across the highway, creating hazardous conditions that contributed to a lengthy cleanup effort.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and the first officer reported a fuel spill in addition to the fire, which complicated the situation further. As a result, traffic on I-35 was completely shut down for approximately 12 hours while crews worked meticulously to resolve the matter. By 4 p.m., the Texas Highway Patrol announced plans to reopen the northbound lanes around 4:30 p.m. Officials confirmed that both lanes had indeed reopened by Friday night.
The fire broke out just north of Lytle, with traffic congestion stretching significantly southward as motorists were forced to endure considerable delays. The truck driver, who was found to be in pain but was able to walk and talk, was evaluated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Despite the alarming circumstances, the driver did not appear to have sustained any severe injuries.
Throughout the incident, Lytle Mayor Ruben Gonzalez monitored the situation closely, advising motorists to exit the highway in Natalia via Highway 132 to help alleviate some of the traffic issues. Authorities issued a warning to all drivers in the vicinity of the fire, encouraging them to seek alternate routes to avoid the gridlock resulting from the incident.
Local police indicated that while the fire had been extinguished, the cleanup and subsequent investigation would take several additional hours to complete. As the crews worked, the situation remained dynamic, with the potential for further delays impacting travelers heading toward San Antonio.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders and the importance of road safety measures. Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant and prepared for unforeseen circumstances when traveling along major highways, particularly during inclement weather or other hazardous conditions.
While the interruption in traffic was significant, the successful management of the situation by local emergency services demonstrates the importance of speed and efficiency in response efforts. After a long day of cleanup, traffic has now returned to normal on this section of I-35, and officials are continuing to monitor the area for any residual effects of the incident.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5 News
- Wikipedia: Interstate 35 in Texas
- KTSA News
- Google Search: Bexar County Traffic Incidents
- KSAT News
- Google Scholar: Emergency Response Management
- KHOU 11 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting Techniques
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google News: San Antonio Traffic Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
