A fatal crash involving a garbage truck shut down Highway 287 in both directions in Fort Worth Wednesday evening after the truck struck support pillars beneath a bridge near Erath Street.
Emergency crews were called to the 3500 block of Highway 287, also known as Martin Luther King Freeway, shortly after 6 p.m. The crash left the truck driver dead and a passenger critically injured.
According to officials, the garbage truck was exiting the highway when it crashed into several support pillars of the bridge over Erath Street. The impact ejected the driver from the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the truck was taken for medical treatment and remained in critical condition, officials said. Authorities had not publicly released the identities of either person in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
Highway 287 traffic diverted around crash scene
The collision caused major traffic restrictions around the Erath Street area.
Initially, southbound motorists were being directed off Highway 287 at Berry Street, while northbound traffic was being diverted away from the crash area. Another update reported northbound traffic being directed toward the Wilbarger Street exit, with southbound drivers routed toward Berry Street and Vaughn Boulevard.
The main lanes were expected to remain closed overnight while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. Officials had not announced a definite reopening time in the latest available reports.
The crash occurred along a heavily used section of Martin Luther King Freeway, making the closure a significant disruption for drivers traveling through the area.
Cause of crash remains under investigation
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the garbage truck to leave its intended path and strike the bridge supports.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether speed, a medical emergency, mechanical problems or another factor contributed to the crash. Those details remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities also have not provided a final assessment of any damage to the bridge beyond confirming that the truck struck several of its supporting pillars.
Drivers traveling through the area should allow additional time and use an alternate route until officials clear the crash scene and reopen the highway.
More information about the crash, the condition of the injured passenger and the highway closure is expected as the investigation continues.
