Multiple 18-wheeler Crashes Shut Down I-45 Near Madisonville, Sending Two to Hospital

MADISONVILLE, Texas – A chain reaction incident closed I-45 in both directions between Huntsville and Madisonville for several hours Thursday afternoon.

It began at midday when the driver of an 18-wheeler loader lost control while driving southbound, just south of Madisonville. The large rig collided with an exit sign around FM 2989 and traveled over all southbound lanes before jackknifing, sending steel I-beams hurtling down the freeway.

The motorist was taken to the hospital with injuries to his head and arm.

As traffic halted, another 18-wheeler lost control in the southbound lanes, crossed the I-45 median, and collided with a pickup traveling north. The truck driver needed to be evacuated to the hospital.

Then, a third 18-wheeler carrying rebar crashed in the same spot.

The lanes reopened around 8:30 p.m.

DPS stated that they planned to have more lanes open soon.

Southbound vehicles were urged to exit at Highway 21 near Buc-ee’s and proceed west to Highway 75, then to FM 1696 to re-enter the highway.

Northbound travelers should exit at FM 1969, travel west to Highway 75, and then north to Spur 104.

Reference: Chain-reaction crash involving 3 big rigs shuts down I-45 in both directions south of Madisonville

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