HOUSTON, TX – A chemical tanker carrying liquid nitrogen caught fire around 8:39 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Beltway 8 near Beechnut, prompting a hazmat response and a freeway shutdown.
According to the Houston Fire Department, the fire started beneath the tanker near the brake area. Crews were able to mitigate the fire, and no injuries or collisions were reported. The driver was confirmed to be safe.
Hazmat teams remained on scene to monitor the situation while waiting for company representatives to assess the tanker and offload the remaining liquid nitrogen.
The northbound lanes were closed around 8:45 p.m. as a precaution. No nearby buildings were threatened, and officials reported no immediate risk to the public.
The roadway will reopen once the area is deemed safe.
You can watch the full update from HFD below:
