18-Wheeler Loses it Near Wall as Its Unsecured Load Shifts Off Trailer

SAN ANGELO, TX — Northbound lanes on U.S. 87 are down to one near Wall because an 18-wheeler lost control and rolled near Debus Rd.

The Texas DPS, Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Wall VFD, and San Angelo EMS are tending the scene.

An ambulance departed the scene at 9:30 p.m.

According to Texas DPS, the truck tractor had an unsecured load on its flatbed trailer. The trailer had inflatable waterline tubing and pipe.

Part of the load shifted, and began to fall off the side from the front to the mid-section of the trailer. A portion of the load went underneath, interfering with the trailer’s wheels.

As the load was falling off to the side, the trailer pulled left, pushing the truck tractor right. The instability of the whole ordeal, coupled with highway speeds, sent the truck into a roll, where it came to a rest on its side.

DPS confirmed no other vehicles were involved in the crash and the truck driver was uninjured.

A quarter-mile debris field needed to be cleared behind the crash scene. All traffic on U.S. 87 north near the crash scene between Wall and San Angelo was closed for the remainder of the night and traffic was diverted to Wilde Rd.

A small grass fire in the barrow ditch next to the highway ignited because of the metal piping in the load was dragged along the asphalt, sparking and heating up. Wall VFD quickly extinguished the fire.

DPS did not indicate what citations would be issued, as they were early into their investigation when we talked to the lead investigator. We expect them, however. 

The crash was reported over 9-1-1 shortly after 9 p.m.