A major commercial truck accident brought traffic to a near standstill on one of San Antonio’s busiest highway connectors on Friday after an overturned tractor-trailer blocked all lanes near the Fine Silver Curve.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation and local public safety officials, the crash occurred just before 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 16, on the ramp connecting I-35 South to I-10 West, near the Frio Street exit on the lower level. The location is a heavily traveled interchange used daily by commuters traveling between downtown San Antonio and the city’s North Side.
The tractor-trailer, which was hauling a load of live bees, overturned onto its side, immediately shutting down the ramp and triggering a large emergency response. Officials classified the wreck as high severity, and traffic was blocked across all lanes for several hours.
Public Safety Alerts Issued as Closure Continued
At 11:50 a.m., a public safety alert was issued urging drivers to avoid the area entirely as traffic remained fully blocked. Another alert followed at 4:40 p.m., with authorities again advising motorists to use alternate routes while cleanup and investigation efforts continued.
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) confirmed that the driver of the tractor-trailer was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. No additional injuries were reported.
However, officials warned early on that clearing the scene would take an “extended period of time” due to the nature of the crash, the cargo involved, and the location of the overturned vehicle on a major elevated connector.
Diesel Spill Triggers Hazmat Response
While no large-scale hazardous materials release was reported, authorities confirmed a small diesel spill resulting from the crash. Liquid could be seen flowing down the side of the connector ramp in images released by TxDOT, prompting a hazardous materials team response.
Fire trucks and emergency vehicles remained on scene throughout the day, further restricting traffic at the I-10 and U.S. 87 rampsnear the northwest edge of downtown San Antonio. Traffic monitoring maps showed extensive delays, with congestion stretching well beyond the immediate crash site.
The San Antonio Police Department urged drivers to seek alternate routes until further notice. The traffic monitoring service SigAlert recommended exiting I-35 early at San Pedro or Main Avenue to avoid getting stuck near the Fine Silver Curve.
A Familiar and Dangerous Location
Notably, this is not the first time a tractor-trailer hauling bees has overturned on the same connector ramp. Reports from KSAT in 2021 documented a nearly identical incident at the Fine Silver Curve, raising renewed concerns about the interchange’s safety for large commercial vehicles.
The Fine Silver Curve is known for its tight geometry and elevation change, making it especially challenging for trucks carrying heavy or shifting loads. When a tractor-trailer overturns in this area, the consequences ripple across the city’s traffic network almost immediately.
Why Commercial Truck Rollovers Happen on Highway Connectors
Truck rollovers are among the most dangerous types of commercial vehicle accidents, particularly on ramps and interchanges. These crashes often occur not because of a single mistake, but due to a combination of risk factors.
Common contributors to truck rollovers include:
- Excessive speed while navigating curves or ramps
- Improperly secured or shifting cargo
- High center of gravity, especially with live or liquid loads
- Driver fatigue or distraction
- Mechanical failures involving brakes, suspension, or tires
In this case, the tractor-trailer was hauling live bees, a cargo that requires specialized containment and careful handling. Loads that shift unexpectedly can destabilize even experienced drivers, particularly on curved connectors like the Fine Silver Curve.
At The Burkett Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers in Corpus Christi understand that the unexpected happens and are here to help in these confusing situations.
The Risks Extend Beyond the Initial Crash
Even when injuries are limited, the dangers posed by a commercial truck rollover do not end at the moment of impact. Overturned trucks can create secondary hazards that affect countless other drivers.
These risks include debris or spilled materials entering traffic lanes, fuel leaks creating slick roadway conditions, sudden traffic stoppages that increase rear-end collision risks, and prolonged congestion that delays emergency responders and commuters alike.
Motorcyclists, smaller passenger vehicles, and emergency crews face heightened danger when navigating around overturned trucks and spill zones. In some cases, secondary crashes occur hours after the original incident.
Legal Liability in a Tractor-Trailer Rollover
When a commercial truck overturns, determining legal responsibility requires a detailed investigation. Liability may extend beyond the driver alone, depending on the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Potentially responsible parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loading contractors, vehicle maintenance providers, or other third parties involved in the operation and upkeep of the truck.
Federal trucking regulations require companies to properly secure cargo, maintain vehicles, and ensure drivers are adequately trained and rested. When these obligations are ignored or shortcuts are taken, the risk of rollover accidents increases dramatically.
Even when injuries appear minor at first, victims may later discover more serious medical issues, lost wages, or vehicle damage caused by the incident or its aftermath.
What to Do If You’re Affected by a Commercial Truck Accident
Drivers who are injured, delayed, or suffer property damage as a result of a commercial truck accident should take steps to protect themselves and their legal rights.
This includes seeking medical attention promptly, documenting the scene if it can be done safely, obtaining a crash report, and avoiding recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance.
Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accidents. They often involve multiple insurance policies, corporate defense teams, and complex regulatory issues that require experienced legal handling.
How The Burkett Law Firm Can Help
Commercial truck accidents require a level of investigation and legal strategy beyond typical collision cases. The Burkett Law Firm has experience handling complex truck accident claims involving rollovers, hazardous conditions, and major roadway disruptions.
From reviewing driver logs and maintenance records to analyzing cargo loading practices and crash data, an experienced truck accident attorney can identify the true cause of a rollover and pursue accountability where it belongs.
For individuals impacted by a commercial truck accident in San Antonio or elsewhere in Texas, early legal guidance can be critical to protecting long-term interests.
