safety
Vehicle fire closes TX-44 and IH-35 access road
By Ellie Bednarz at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
ENCINAL, Texas — The Encinal Police Department is asking drivers to avoid the area of TX-44 and the IH-35 East Access Road due to a vehicle fire. Police said first responders are on scene, and crews are working to clear the area. Drivers are urged to use caution and seek an alternate route if pos...
Key takeaway Videos from viewer, Juan Alvarado, show that an 18-wheeler caught on fire, but the reason is unknown.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The vehicle fire on TX-44 and the IH-35 East Access Road is a stark reminder of the potential hazards that come with the heavy truck traffic that passes through Webb County. With the area being a key transportation route, incidents like this can have a significant impact on the daily commute of local residents and the flow of goods. The fact that an 18-wheeler was involved in the fire is particularly concerning, given the size and weight of these vehicles and the potential for damage they can cause. As the investigation into the cause of the fire gets underway, local authorities will likely be looking into whether there were any contributing factors, such as road conditions or vehicle maintenance, that may have played a role in the incident. The Encinal Police Department's warning to drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes is a prudent one, and residents will be watching to see how quickly the area can be cleared and traffic returned to normal.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ENCINAL, Texas — The Encinal Police Department is asking drivers to avoid the area of TX-44 and the IH-35 East Access Road due to a vehicle fire. Police said first responders are on scene, and crews are working to clear the area. Drivers are urged to use caution and seek an alternate route if pos...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ellie Bednarz at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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