Just before 3:30 today an 18-wheeler tank truck which was empty was east bound on SH 242. As the driver of the truck owned by Terra Renewal turned left into the Lone Star Ranch Subdivision he was broadsided by a Dodge Charger.
The driver of the truck stated he saw the Charger driven by Erica Hernandez, 32 of Conroe at quite some distance and thought he could make it. Ms. Hernandez who was transported to the hospital in stable condition struck the right fuel tank of the 18-wheeler. The impact ripped open the front of the tank causing the 200 gallon tank to slowly leak most of it’s diesel fuel.
Caney Creek Fire Department responded to the scene and while waiting for a haz-mat crew to arrive from Milstead Environmental, using the dirt from the roads edge built a dam to stop it from flowing into the ditches. In addition, using plastic they were able to create a makeshift container to allow the fuel to flow into.
SH242 was closed for almost an hour as crews worked to clean the roadway. It was then limited to one lane for another 30 minutes.
DPS cited the driver of the 18-wheeler for failure to yield right of way.
