Semi strikes I-35 overpass under construction in Texas, causing collapse and one death

Updated Mar 30, 2015
A look at the scene of the collapse soon after it happened. Credit: KWTX TV via TwitterA look at the scene of the collapse soon after it happened. Credit: KWTX TV via Twitter

An oversized tractor-trailer struck a support beam of the FM 2484 overpass currently under construction on Interstate 35 near Salado on Thursday, causing several beams to give way and fall on cars, killing one person, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Several others have been reported as seriously injured. TxDOT shut down the interstate in both directions at the active construction site located roughly 50 miles north of Austin. I-35 runs from Texas to Minnesota.

KWTX TV identified the man killed as 32-year-old Clark Davis of Arlington.

According to a report from the Austin Statesman, crews have been working to widen the bridge as part of a lane expansion on I-35 and workers were present when the truck slammed into it. Luckily, no workers around the overpass were hurt in the collapse.

TxDOT told the paper that the truck was too tall to enter the bridge.

“The truck driver ignored signs that we had that would have indicated that the truck was too tall,” Veronica Beyer, a spokeswoman for TxDOT, said. Beyer said the beams supporting the bridge had a clearance of 14 feet.

The section of highway was closed for most of Thursday but fully reopened this morning.