Steel Coils Spill from Truck on I-37, Causing Delays

Authorities respond to incident near U.S. 77 interchange in Corpus Christi.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single steel coil lying on the dark asphalt of a highway, the metal surface reflecting the harsh, direct light of the camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a cargo transportation accident.A steel coil spill on a major highway exposes the risks of cargo transportation accidents.Corpus Christi Today

A truck tractor lost part of its load of steel coils on Interstate 37 in Corpus Christi, Texas, just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting lane closures and traffic slowdowns as crews work to clear the roadway. This is the second similar incident to occur in the same area in recent weeks, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Why it matters

Steel coil spills on major highways can pose significant safety risks and lead to lengthy traffic delays, impacting commuters and commerce. This incident highlights the need for proper load securement and maintenance on commercial vehicles to prevent such disruptions.

The details

The truck tractor lost its load of steel coils, causing the coils to spill onto the roadway near the I-37 and U.S. Highway 77 interchange. DPS Public Information Officer Staff Sgt. Rob Mallory said lane closures were implemented as crews worked to clear the scene. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the load coming loose.

  • The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • A similar crash happened in the same area a few weeks prior.

The players

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that responded to and provided information about the incident.

Rob Mallory

A DPS Public Information Officer who spoke about the details of the steel coil spill.

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What they’re saying

“A truck tractor lost part of its load, which consisted of steel coils, prompting lane closures in the area.”

— Rob Mallory, DPS Public Information Officer

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the load coming loose and will work to clear the roadway as quickly as possible to restore normal traffic flow.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper load securement and maintenance on commercial vehicles to prevent dangerous spills that can disrupt critical transportation infrastructure and pose risks to public safety.