HOUSTON — A section of the Hardy Toll Road has reopened after an 18-wheeler driver was killed in a fiery crash Friday morning, according to Harris County Toll Road Authority.
Officials confirmed the tollway heading southbound near Aldine Bender has reopened as of 12:38 p.m. although clean-up crews are still at the site.
Harris County Pct. 1 Constables Office responed to the crash that happened around 5:30 a.m.
When deputies arrived, they found the cab of the big rig engulfed in flames. The driver was trapped in the cab and died at the scene.
Investigators said prior to the crash the big rig had drifted onto the shoulder and then slammed into the retaining wall. It is not clear what led to the driver drifting off the freeway.
Precinct 1 said Aldine firefighters are working to recover the victim and clear the hazmat scene caused by a fuel leakage from the big rig. Part of the trailer burned but it is not clear what the big rig was transporting at this time.
The scene could take five to six hours to clear.
Check back for updates on this developing story.