Fiery 18-wheeler crash closes southbound I-35 for hours

Several agencies responded early Friday morning to contain fire on I-35 in Lorena after a massive wreck involving two 18-wheelers that closed down the southbound lanes of the highway for hours.

One of the rigs was "burned to a crisp," a reporter at the scene said.

Authorities reopened the two inside lanes of the highway at around 10 a.m. Friday, and the third lane was cleared just before noon.

The crash happened at around 2:30 a.m. Friday on the southbound highway at Callan Ranch Road on the south side of town.

One driver, who suffered burns, was flown to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco, Lorena police said.

Austin Montgomery of the Lorena Fire Department was the first on the scene.

He says he saw flames shooting above the trees.

He said the accident happened near a fireworks stand.

The trucks were both hauling food products.