Gregg County, Texas – Early Friday afternoon, a sizable oil spill on State Highway 42 north of the Interstate 20 westbound off‑ramp prompted a partial shutdown of the roadway. The Kilgore Police Department issued a release confirming that officers, alongside the Kilgore Fire Department and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), responded promptly to the incident.
Response and cleanup effort
According to the release, the spill was described as “significant,” requiring the deployment of 15 absorbent bags to contain and remove the oil. TxDOT crews remained on site after police and fire units cleared the area, ensuring the thorough cleanup of the spill. Traffic on State Highway 42 was halted until approximately 2:35 p.m., after which the road was reopened to the public.
Second major spill in two weeks
The department’s statement noted that this was the second major oil spill in Kilgore within a two‑week period, underscoring the importance of proper load security for trucks traveling the region’s busy highways. While the release did not identify the specific cause of the spill, officials reminded drivers to verify that their loads are securely fastened before hitting the road.
“Unsecured loads don’t just create a mess,” the release warned. “They create serious hazards for other drivers and put our emergency responders and road crews at risk… A few extra minutes of preparation can prevent hours of cleanup—or worse, a serious crash.”
Safety reminder for commercial drivers
The incident serves as a practical reminder for the many commercial vehicles that traverse State Highway 42, a key corridor for freight moving through East Texas. Properly securing cargo not only protects the environment but also safeguards motorists and first‑responders from potential accidents.
Community impact
Local residents and commuters experienced brief delays, but the coordinated response minimized disruption. The swift action taken by Kilgore’s public‑safety agencies reflects the community’s commitment to maintaining safe and reliable transportation infrastructure.
Looking ahead
TxDOT officials indicated that they will continue monitoring the highway for any residual hazards and will conduct routine inspections to prevent future incidents. The agency also encourages drivers to report any spills or unsafe conditions they encounter on state roadways.
For further updates on road conditions and safety advisories, motorists are advised to follow Kilgore Police Department alerts and TxDOT’s online traffic information portal.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
