Gasoline Tanker Erupts in Flames After Hitting Power Lines in Texas

The 18-wheeler was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline that began leaking after the truck spun off the road near a gas station.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:09am

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A gasoline tanker truck in Fort Worth, Texas erupted into a fiery blaze after colliding with another vehicle and knocking over power lines. The 18-wheeler was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline that began leaking, and the downed power lines sparked the fire around 1 a.m. The truck driver was hospitalized with burns, but no one else was injured.

Why it matters

Gasoline tanker fires can be extremely dangerous, causing widespread damage and putting nearby residents at risk. This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials and the need for proper infrastructure to prevent such accidents.

The details

According to Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek, the 18-wheeler was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline that began leaking after the truck spun off the road near a Valero gas station. The downed power lines then sparked a fire around 1 a.m. The driver was trying to keep the gasoline from draining into the gas station parking lot when the fire ignited.

  • The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Firefighters left the scene around 7 a.m. after spraying the tanker with water and using sand to contain the gasoline.

The players

Craig Trojacek

A spokesperson for the Fort Worth Fire Department.

Bailey Moss

A witness who was staying with a friend nearby when he heard the loud crash and saw the fire spread quickly.

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What they’re saying

“The driver of the 18-wheeler was trying to do everything he could to keep the gas from draining into the parking lot of the Valero gas station when it lit off.”

— Craig Trojacek, Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson

“The fire spread quickly, and you could feel the heat even from a distance. It was pretty intense.”

— Bailey Moss, Witness

What’s next

Authorities will investigate the cause of the accident and determine if any safety protocols were violated during the transportation of the gasoline. The driver's condition will also be closely monitored.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in transporting large quantities of hazardous materials like gasoline. It highlights the need for robust safety measures, proper infrastructure, and quick emergency response to mitigate the potential for catastrophic damage and loss of life.