A “hazmat problem” led to closures on Interstate 35 north of Dallas-Fort Worth, near Valley View, officials with the Texas Department of Transportation said Friday morning.
As of about 9 a.m., only one lane was open in either direction.
A three-vehicle crash involving a rock hauler and passenger vehicle carrying radioactive medical dye prompted the call for a hazardous materials team to inspect the area, according to emergency management officials in Cooke County.
The outer container of one of the medical packages was opened though the interior packaging was intact, officials said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, hazmat was called to assess the item,” according to a social media post from the county officials. “The item was assessed and removed to a safe location.”
The crash happened about 4 a.m. on the southbound side of I-35, near the Hockley Creek overpass, and involved three semi-truck trailers and a passenger vehicle. One of the trucks caught fire, and the driver died, officials said.
Diesel fuel and vehicle oil were still awaiting cleanup late Friday morning. The interstate in that area was still congested.
Those planning to travel the highway in the area north of Denton, about 20 miles south of the Oklahoma border in Cooke County, should make a backup plan as the crews work to clear the road, TxDOT officials said.