A Pennsylvania truck driver died early Friday when his 18-wheeler drifted off Interstate 20 in Parker County, rolled down an embankment and caught fire in Parker County, authorities say.
Based on witness accounts, investigators suspect the driver may have fallen asleep, said Dub Gillum, senior trooper for the Texas Highway Patrol.Authorities responded to a report of the accident about 2:20 a.m. on I-20 where it passes above FM 113, about 10 miles west of Weatherford.Witnesses said the eastbound truck drifted to the right of the roadway, hit a guardrail, flipped and rolled onto FM 113, Gillum said. The truck caught fire and the driver did not get out. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Gillum said.The 18-wheeler belongs to a California trucking company and was hauling spinach, onions and other produce, he said.According to the driver's logbook, the truck left Odessa at about 8 p.m., he said. Investigators have identified the 53-year-old driver, but his next-of-kin has not been notified. He is from Philadelphia, Gillum said.The wreck caused damage to the guardrail but traffic was flowing smoothly on Interstate 20 by 8 a.m., he said.Alex Branch, (817) -390Twitter: @albranch1Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
