Highway closed 6 hours as 18-wheeler rigs collide

Texas 36 was closed for about six hours Friday morning between Milano and Caldwell after two 18-wheelers collided just south of Milano.

State Trooper Joshua Hendricks said a southbound truck rig operated by Jalal Halsey, 45, of Bryan crossed the center stripe and was in a near head-on collision with a northbound rig driven by 61-year-old Ronald Creek of Rockdale.

Hendricks said the collision occurred at 2:01 a.m. near Milam County Road 334. Both drivers were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bryan with injuries which were not believed to be life-threatening, according to the DPS.

Hendricks said both drivers had their seat belts buckled.

Cab of the Halsey rig burst into flames and was extinguished by the Milano Volunteer Fire Department. (Photo at left). A HAZMAT team was called and Texas 36 was closed at Milano and Caldwell. It reopened shortly after 8 a.m.