Tanker Truck Erupts in Flames After Hitting Power Lines in Texas

The 18-wheeler was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline when it collided with another vehicle and sparked a major fire.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:27am

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A tanker truck carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline erupted into a fiery blaze in Fort Worth, Texas, after colliding with another vehicle and knocking over power lines. The truck driver was hospitalized with burns, but no other injuries were reported. Firefighters spent hours containing the gasoline leak and extinguishing the flames.

Why it matters

Tanker truck accidents involving flammable cargo can pose significant risks to public safety, especially when power lines are involved. This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials and the need for emergency response preparedness in areas with high traffic and infrastructure density.

The details

The 18-wheeler tanker truck was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline when it spun off the road near a Valero gas station and collided with another vehicle, knocking over power lines. The downed power lines then sparked a fire around 1 a.m., according to Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek. The driver was hospitalized with burns while trying to prevent the gasoline from leaking into the gas station parking lot. Firefighters spent hours spraying the tanker with water and using sand to contain the gasoline spill.

  • The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Firefighters left the scene around 7 a.m. on the same day.

The players

Craig Trojacek

A spokesperson for the Fort Worth Fire Department.

Bailey Moss

A witness who heard the crash and saw the intense fire from a nearby location.

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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 collision and determine if any safety protocols were violated during the transport of the gasoline. The condition of the truck driver will also be closely monitored.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in the transportation of large quantities of flammable materials, especially in densely populated areas. It underscores the need for robust safety measures, emergency response planning, and public awareness to mitigate the risks of such accidents.