‘Tanker explosion:’ 18-wheeler carrying crude oil catches fire after being hit by SUV east of Giddings

LEE COUNTY, Texas – A tanker truck caught fire after being hit by an SUV on Highway 290 between Houston and Austin.

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It happened at approximately 10:49 a.m. Sunday morning near the intersection of Highway 290 and FM 180 in Lee County. This is near the community of Ledbetter east of Giddings.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the 18-wheeler was carrying barrels of crude oil and was attempting to turn into the eastbound lanes of US 290 when an SUV occupied by a man and woman heading eastbound on US 290 struck the 18-wheeler. The crash caused the 18-wheeler to catch fire.

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Texas DPS said the man and woman inside the SUV were taken to a medical facility for treatment. Lee County EMS said the two patients were critically injured and were transported to Austin.

The crash remains under investigation.