Truck Overturns on Freeway Ramp, Spilling Cargo Across Lanes in Brenton

Brenton, TX — Commuters faced massive delays on Monday morning after an 18-wheeler overturned on the westbound ramp of Interstate 17 near Exit 64, spilling its cargo across multiple lanes and bringing traffic to a grinding halt.

The crash occurred just before 7:30 a.m., according to Brenton Police Department spokesperson Lt. Carla Meadows. The driver, who was reportedly hauling a full load of construction materials, lost control of the vehicle while attempting to navigate a sharp curve on the elevated ramp. The truck tipped over onto its side, sending steel beams and wooden pallets tumbling across the freeway below.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and closed all westbound lanes for nearly four hours as cleanup crews worked to remove the debris. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Brenton Regional Medical Center for evaluation.

Two other vehicles were involved in the crash—both struck by falling debris. The occupants of those vehicles suffered minor injuries but were treated on site and released. Officials say quick action from nearby motorists and emergency services helped prevent a more serious disaster.

“This could have been much worse,” said Lt. Meadows. “We’re thankful no one was seriously hurt, but the disruption to traffic and the sheer scale of the spill are reminders of the risks involved with large freight transport on busy urban highways.”

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, though authorities are looking into the possibility of excessive speed and mechanical failure. Weather conditions at the time were clear and dry, eliminating visibility issues as a contributing factor.

The overturned truck belonged to a regional carrier based in Dallas. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the driver had more than a decade of experience and a clean driving record.

City officials and transportation experts are now reviewing the design and safety measures on that specific ramp, which has seen a number of similar incidents in recent years.

“This is at least the third major truck accident on this ramp in the last 18 months,” noted transportation safety analyst Greg Wallace. “There may need to be changes in signage, speed enforcement, or ramp geometry.”

Accidents involving commercial trucks can lead to complex liability and insurance issues. Victims injured in such incidents are often encouraged to seek legal advice. In Brenton and across Texas, consulting an 18 wheeler accident lawyer can be crucial for understanding one’s rights and securing compensation for damages.

The Texas Department of Transportation said the ramp reopened shortly after 12 p.m., once all debris had been cleared and a structural inspection confirmed the overpass remained safe for traffic.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution and follow posted speed limits when navigating elevated freeway ramps, particularly in areas known for sharp turns or heavy freight traffic.