A wreck Wednesday morning in Belton involving an 18-wheeler and other vehicles spilled dozens of gallons of diesel fuel and injured four people, officials said.
The accident occurred around 8 a.m. near the intersection of Sparta Road and Farm to Market Road 439, a two-way highway that leads to Killeen.
"The accident was between an 18-wheeler and two passenger vehicles. The 18-wheeler had a dry hopper, and both saddle tanks on it were punctured. It is estimated that approximately 55-65 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled," according to Bell County spokesman James Stafford. He said Belton police are handling the crash.
"In total, four patients were transported with non-life-threatening injuries," Stafford said.
At 10 a.m., a Google traffic map of the area showed traffic was still backed up near the intersection.
(2) comments
I was the car in front of this accident. I got out and helped, the wreckage was awful, by the grace of God no one was seriously injured. This involved a car slamming on their brakes and the truck driver trying to avoid hitting them, unfortunately avoiding one caused another. Honestly I feel like I witnessed a miracle this morning. The young man that was hurt the most physically was coherent and breathing well when the ambulance arrived, you would never guess looking at it that everyone lived. I am so proud to have witnessed the bravery of brothers, there was gallons of diesel pouring everywhere and the young man driving pulled his brother out of the passengers seat, God bless everyone involved. Guardian angels were on overtime this morning.
This is happening all too often. Where is DoT on this trend? Has anyone determined any common thread or cause here? Driver error / inexperience? Equipment issues?
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