Fort Worth public safety officials reported a tragic garbage‑truck accident on the Martin Luther King Freeway (U.S. Highway 287) that resulted in one fatality and a critically injured passenger. The crash occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the 3500 block of Highway 287 at Erath Street.
What happened
According to the Fort Worth Police Department and the Fort Worth Fire Department, the garbage truck left the roadway and struck several support pillars of the Erath Street bridge. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a second man inside the truck, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Impact on traffic
All lanes of U.S. 287 in both directions at Erath Street were shut down immediately after the collision. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced that the closure is expected to last between seven and ten days while engineers assess the structural integrity of the overpass and determine the scope of repairs needed.
Motorists have been redirected to service roads. Southbound traffic is being routed off the highway at Berry Street, while northbound drivers are advised to exit at Wilbarger Street. TxDOT urges drivers to use alternate routes and to allow extra travel time, as significant delays are anticipated.
Investigation and next steps
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the identities of the two men pending family notification. Officials from the Fort Worth Police Department, the Fire Department, and TxDOT are working together to secure the site, evaluate the damage, and develop a repair schedule.
TxDOT crews are on site assessing the bridge supports. Once the structural evaluation is complete, a detailed repair plan will be released, and the overpass will be reopened when it is deemed safe for public use.
Community response
Local residents and commuters expressed concern over the sudden loss of a major transportation corridor. Community leaders emphasized the importance of patience and cooperation while the repair work proceeds. The city’s public‑works department reminded citizens that safety remains the top priority and that the closure, though inconvenient, is necessary to prevent further hazards.
For ongoing updates, motorists are encouraged to follow TxDOT’s traffic alerts and local news outlets.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
