I-10 east near Montecillo reopens after semi-truck crash, fire that shut down traffic for hours
EL PASO, Texas -- A semi-truck crashed and caught fire on Interstate 10 eastbound near Montecillo early Tuesday morning, forcing the closure of the highway until about 12:30 p.m.
The crash and fire happened just after 4:30 a.m.; El Paso police said the driver and the passenger were able to walk away with no injuries.
Police said a tire on the semi blew out, causing the driver to crash the truck into a highway barrier.
Motorsists were forced to exit the interstate at Sunland Park for hours and use Paisano as an alternate route.
I-10 east remained closed in that area throughout the morning as cleanup crews worked; the highway finally reopened around 12:30 p.m.
For the latest road conditions anytime, visit kvia.com/traffic.
I-10 East at Montecillo, collision, FINAL, left two lanes open and right lane remains closed , minor backup.
— @EPPOLICETRAFFIC (@eppolicetraffic) January 14, 2020
UPDATE: All lanes on I-10 eastbound at Executive remain closed. Crews now on scene to try and remove semi that crashed and caught fire earlier this morning. Plan alternate route. Closure expected to last at least until 9am. pic.twitter.com/fd5VBh7QE9
— TxDOT El Paso (@txdotelp) January 14, 2020
