A large fire on Beltway 8 this morning sent thick smoke up over Houston’s south side.
The fire was reported at about 9 a.m. on the eastbound side of South Beltway 8 at Cullen Boulevard.
Video from our TV partner Channel 2 showed a tractor-trailer that was hauling a boat was burning. While the truck appeared to be the only vehicle at the scene, it was not immediately clear if any other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Firefighters were quickly able to get the fire under control.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but multiple reports say the truck's driver apparently fell asleep, leading to the crash and fire. That is according to supervisors with the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured.
As of 10:45 this morning Eastbound tollway lanes were still impacted. at Highway 288. All traffic is being diverted.