A major early-morning crash in Converse forced the closure of eastbound lanes on Loop 1604 after a crane truck struck an 18-wheeler parked along the roadside, authorities said.

Image for illustrative purposes only
The collision happened around 3:45 a.m. Tuesday near Rocket Lane, close to Randolph Air Force Base. Investigators say the crane truck lost control after one of its tires detached, leading it to slam into the stationary semi-truck.
Both drivers were transported to nearby hospitals. The 18-wheeler driver suffered a head injury that was not considered life-threatening, while the crane truck driver reported numbness on one side of his body following the crash.
Officials noted that the semi was carrying a load of bottled drinks, which crews began unloading shortly after the crash as part of the cleanup effort.
The incident led to significant traffic disruptions, with eastbound lanes shut down as emergency responders worked the scene. Authorities also warned that additional closures could occur later in the day to allow heavy equipment to remove the damaged crane truck.
Drivers were advised to avoid the area and find alternate routes while crews continued clearing the roadway.
In crashes like this, determining who is legally responsible can be more complicated than it first appears. While it may seem straightforward to blame the crane truck driver, liability could instead rest with a third party. If the tire detached due to a defect, the manufacturer or distributor of the tire—or even a maintenance company responsible for inspections—could be at fault under product liability laws. On the other hand, if the issue stemmed from improper installation or neglected maintenance, responsibility might fall on the trucking company rather than the individual driver.
These cases often require a detailed investigation, including mechanical inspections and expert analysis, to identify the true cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious crash like this, the experienced team at DJC Law can help uncover the facts and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call DJC Law today at (512) 888-9999 for a free consultation.