Houston, TX (May 22, 2026) – Two big rigs were involved in a Wednesday morning accident that shut down inbound lanes of the eastbound Interstate 610 North Loop in Houston.
The crash happened at about 3:52 a.m. on May 20 near McCarty Street and U.S. Highway 90 Alternate. Video from the site showed one truck was a FedEx vehicle and the other was a tanker.
All inbound lanes were closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the roadway. The freeway reopened at about 9:38 a.m., though the closure caused major delays for drivers heading toward downtown during the morning commute.
The cause of the wreck remains under review as more details are confirmed. We wish those affected a swift and full recovery.
Why Jackknifed Truck Crashes Can Cause Long Highway Closures
When a large truck jackknifes, the trailer swings at an angle and may block several lanes at once. This can make it hard for other drivers to pass safely, especially on busy freeways. Towing work can also take longer because crews may need special equipment to straighten, lift, or move the truck without causing more damage.
Large trucks carry heavy loads, and some may haul materials that require extra caution during cleanup. Tankers can add another layer of concern because crews may need to check for leaks before lanes reopen. Weather, road surface, braking distance, and traffic speed are often reviewed after this type of highway emergency. Even when injuries are not confirmed, backups can last for hours because workers must make sure the road is safe before traffic returns.