Bastrop police say they believe a possible brake malfunction on an 18-wheeler could have been the cause of a three-vehicle crash Wednesday morning that resulted in no major injuries but road closures for more than four hours.
The wreck occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Texas 95 and Texas 71, Bastrop police officials said, and involved two 18-wheelers and a sport utility vehicle. One of the 18-wheelers was carrying a “non-hazmat load,” police said, and the other was an empty tanker truck.
Traffic was diverted from the intersection, which was re-opened at around 10 a.m., police officials said.
Police said the initial investigation indicates there was a possible brake malfunction by an 18-wheeler traveling westbound on Texas 71 that caused the driver to run the red light and hit the empty tanker crossing onto Texas 95. The tanker truck then hit the SUV.
No charges have been filed, police said. The driver of the 18-wheeler was a 41-year-old man who was transported to St. David’s Bastrop and released with minor injuries.l The driver of the SUV was a 45-year-old female who was also transported to St. David’s Bastrop and released with minor injuries.
The 29-year-old driver of the tanker truck sustained no injuries, police said.
All three vehicles were towed from the scene. Property damage included two road signs and a signal box.
Bastrop police were assisted by the Bastrop County Sheriff’s office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Bastrop Volunteer Fire Department and the Texas Department of Transportation.
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