Driver hospitalized after crashing 18-wheeler on US 281; lanes reopened

SAN ANTONIO – A cleanup crew spent Monday morning clearing the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 281 north of downtown after a big rig crash sent a driver to the hospital and snarled traffic for hours.

San Antonio police said the big rig was traveling southbound on the highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle after the Hildebrand exit, where the road curves, around 3:20 a.m.

The tractor-trailer slid sideways, pushing the cab into a grassy area and up an embankment, police said. The cab struck a support column and its trailer detached, broke and rolled over, spilling its cargo across the road.

The 61-year-old driver was taken to a hospital, where he’s in stable condition.

The trailer blocked all the southbound lanes, police said. As of 11 a.m., all lanes were reopened.

No other vehicles were involved in the wreck.

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