A crash involving three semi trucks, two loaded with steel, sent one motorist to the hospital on Thursday afternoon.

The accident happened on April 3rd in Madisonville, Texas on Interstate 45 near FM 2989 at around noon.

According to KHOU 11, a semi truck lost control while traveling south on I-45 and hit an exit sign, sending it skidding across the southbound lanes before it jacknifed. The semi truck then lost its load of steel I-beams, which scattered across the roadway. 

A second semi truck then lost control in slowed traffic due to the first wreck, sending it skidding across the southbound lanes and into a pickup truck heading north. A third semi truck hauling rebar then crashed in the same area. 

The driver of the first semi truck was transported to the hospital with injuries to his head and arm. The driver in the pickup truck was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported. 

The incident closed I-45 in both directions for about eight hours. Southbound drivers were advised to exit at Highway 21 near Buc-ee’s and head west to Highway 75, then to FM 1696 to reenter the freeway. Northbound drivers were advised to exit at FM 1969, head west to Highway 75, then north to Spur 104. 

The lanes were reopened at about 8:30 p.m. No other information has been released.