UPDATE 4:45 PM November 8 ———————————————————
Denton police have updated the number of fatalities from three to two.
UPDATE | Initial reports stating three fatalities have been amended. Two confirmed fatalities at this time. Additional information to follow. Continue to avoid the area.
— Denton Police Dept (@DENTONPD) November 8, 2019
Police also say that southbound I-35W has reopened. The northbound lanes are still closed.
UPDATE | I-35 W Southbound is now open. The northbound lanes remain closed.
— Denton Police Dept (@DENTONPD) November 8, 2019
ORIGINAL REPORT———————————————————————-
Authorities say that several people were injured or killed when a semi truck exploded in Texas today.
The explosion was reported near mile marker 84 on I-35W in Denton, Texas, on Friday afternoon.
Local news outlet NBC DFW reports that the explosion involved a flatbed truck hauling butane tanks. At least one other vehicle was reportedly involved in a crash with the truck leading up to the explosion.
Firefighters are spraying the truck with water. It appears there are tanks around the truck. No word on what could be in them. pic.twitter.com/6jU9p3e7Jx
— Julian Esparza (@JulianEsparzaTV) November 8, 2019
Police have confirmed that three people died and another three were injured.
In images captured at the scene, you can see that the cab of the truck was badly damaged in the explosion and fire.
UPDATE | Both the North and Southbound lanes remain closed near mile marker 84. Traffic is being diverted at 2499 to the south, and prior to the 35 split to the north. Three fatalities have been confirmed in this multi-vehicle crash/explosion. Avoid the area until further notice.
— Denton Police Dept (@DENTONPD) November 8, 2019
I-35W is shut down in both directions. Police say that traffic is being diverted at 2499 to the south, and prior to the 35 split to the north. Drivers are asked to avoid the area until further notice.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.