Belton Fire Engine Involved in Crash That Shut Down I-35 Early Tuesday Morning

Tuesday got off to a very messy start for Belton firefighters.

Paul Romer with the City of Belton reports that around 2:28 AM, firefighters were investigating a crash near the I-14 overpass on southbound I-35. The crew were using their fire engine to block lanes and divert traffic when an 18-wheeler plowed into the vehicle, as well as a tow truck and the vehicle it was hauling.

Three firefighters inside the engine at the time of the crash were transported to Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple with minor injuries.

Romer reports that the crash sent debris flying onto northbound I-35, where it was struck by another 18-wheeler. That collision caused a small diesel fuel leak in the northbound lanes.

Our partners at News 10 report that the collisions caused north and southbound lanes to be closed for over four hours as crews worked to clear the scene. A Department of Public Safety representative told News 10 that the crashes remained under investigation late Tuesday morning, and that charges are possible.