Engineers have been examining a South Dallas overpass that may have sustained damage after a gas truck crashed and exploded directly underneath it. Southbound traffic on Highway 310 at U.S. 175 was suspended this morning until the analysis of the damage was completed. Only one northbound lane of Highway 310 was open.
Texas Department of Transportation representatives say that chunks of concrete were still falling from the bridge, whcih was exposed to temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees fahrenheit for two hours.
The tanker was hauling more than 7,000 gallons of gasoline when it overturned and exploded at the infamous "Dead Man’s Curve". A witness said that the tractor trailer tried to negotiate the curve too quickly, when the tanker flipped over and an explosion occurred. The driver of the truck claimed that one of his tires blew out prior to the wreck, although witnesses say that wasn’t the case.
Two men pulled the truck driver to safety seconds before the truck exploded. The driver managed to get away with only minor cuts and bruises.
The black cloud of smoke could still be seen near downtown and by several thousand people at the State Fair.
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