HUTCHINS – Interstate 45 was shut down in both directions Sunday morning in after a tanker truck crashed and caught fire.

    The highway and the service road were closed in both directions, according to the Texas Department of Transportation website.

    Drivers going north on I-45 had to exit at Pleasant Run Road, and drivers going south had to exit at Dowdy Ferry Road. Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans told The Dallas Morning News the tanker on fire was carrying about 8,500 gallons of fuel.

    Crews on scene kept the fire contained while it burned itself out. Dallas fire crews were asked by the Hutchins Fire Department to help with the blaze just before 6 a.m. before it totally destroyed the tanker.

    The driver of the 18-wheeler was able to get out of the truck safely, Evans said.

    Department of Transportation cameras showed flames and thick, dark smoke near Wintergreen Road Sunday morning.