Troy, TX — July 25, 2025, Fatalities were reported following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 9:32 P.M. on I-35.

According to reports, a multi-vehicle accident involving an 18-wheeler occurred along Interstate 35 near Main Street, however how the crash occurred and the exact number of vehicle involved is not yet known.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the 18-wheeler had caught fire and exploded, and authorities have reported fatalities from the crash, however the exact number has not been released. Officials have not provided an update on the status of the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear that an 18-wheeler exploded on the highway and multiple lives were lost, the first question on everyone’s mind is simple: How did this happen? Unfortunately, based on what's been reported so far, that key question remains unanswered. Authorities haven’t said how the crash occurred or even how many vehicles were involved, which leaves the public with far more questions than answers.

To get clarity, we need more than just a scene report. We need a proper investigation that goes well beyond surface-level observations. The fact that the truck caught fire and exploded raises serious concerns—not just about how the crash began, but also about what the truck was carrying and whether it was being transported safely.

One critical issue is whether the truck was in motion when the incident began. If the truck was moving, then questions about driver behavior come into play. Was the driver fatigued, distracted, or speeding? Those answers may lie in the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), which records data about speed, braking, and throttle activity in the seconds leading up to a crash. If the truck was stationary, on the other hand, then we’d be looking at whether it was properly parked and visible to approaching traffic.

We also don’t know if this explosion was the result of a collision or whether something about the truck’s cargo caused or worsened the fire. If hazardous or flammable materials were involved, then it’s critical to know whether the cargo was secured, labeled, and handled in accordance with federal transport regulations. I’ve seen cases where improperly loaded or unmarked cargo turned a survivable crash into a deadly inferno.

At this stage, no one should assume who is to blame. Getting to the truth means recovering black box data, reviewing dash cam footage if available, checking the driver’s cell phone records, and examining company policies on cargo handling and driver training. In one case I litigated, a trucking company hired a driver who had been fired from multiple previous jobs and gave them a 20-minute test to certify them for all driving conditions. That shortcut had deadly consequences—and only came to light because someone demanded real answers, not just assumptions.

Key Takeaways:

• Authorities have not yet explained how the crash occurred or how many vehicles were involved.
• It’s critical to determine whether the truck was moving, stopped, or carrying hazardous materials.
• An investigation should include ECM data, cargo manifests, dash cams, and driver records.
• Responsibility may lie not just with a driver, but also with the company that hired, trained, and supervised them.
• The path to accountability starts with evidence—not assumptions.