Crews continued to clean up after a fatal 18-wheeler crash along the North Freeway Wednesday morning, and it could be hours before the job is finished.
One lane southbound remains closed as does the feeder road.
According to Harris County deputies, the 18-wheeler was headed southbound on I-45 north near Richey Road when it suddenly left the roadway.
The driver crashed into a road sign and a tree. Authorities say the impact sheared open the tractor portion of the 18-wheeler, spilling out empty Bud Light beer cans.
At the time of the crash, authorities say the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the cab.
A witness at the scene told authorities he heard a portion of the crash before the 18-wheeler went off the road.
It’s unclear if that sound was a tire or malfunction.
It is expected to until midafternoon to clear.
