Fatal crash and vehicle fire shut down southbound I-35W near Hill-Johnson county line

Southbound Interstate 35W was shut down early Wednesday morning following a fatal vehicle fire and crash near the Hill-Johnson county line, authorities said.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office issued a traffic advisory reporting that the closure is located at approximately the 14-mile marker in Hill County.

The incident has triggered significant traffic backups extending northward into Johnson County. The Texas Department of Transportation deployed crews to the scene to assist with traffic control.

Officials have not provided an estimated time for when the southbound lanes will reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid the area, expect substantial delays, and seek alternate routes.