FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth community is mourning the death of Tyler Bradley Shivers, a 33-year-old Waste Management driver who was killed when his garbage truck crashed into the support structure of an overpass in south Fort Worth.
The devastating collision happened Wednesday evening, September 23, 2026, along U.S. Highway 287 near Erath Street, causing extensive damage to the overpass and forcing major highway closures while emergency crews and transportation officials worked to secure the area.
A second person traveling in the truck was seriously injured and taken to a hospital in critical condition.
How the Fort Worth Truck Crash Happened
Fort Worth police and fire crews were called to the 3500 block of Martin Luther King Freeway, the local name for U.S. 287, at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday following reports of the crash.
Preliminary information indicates that the Waste Management truck left the roadway and struck several support pillars beneath the Erath Street overpass.
The force of the collision caused substantial structural damage to the bridge. Authorities have not yet determined why the truck left the roadway, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased driver as Tyler Bradley Shivers, 33.
A second occupant was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Rescue Effort
People living and traveling near the crash scene described a frightening sequence of events immediately after the collision.
Witness Marcus Hawkins told NBC 5 that he was nearby when he saw the Waste Management truck moving between lanes before it struck a slope and then collided with the bridge support.
Another nearby resident, Abby Zuñiga, said the impact caused a powerful vibration that initially made her think there had been thunder.
After realizing a major crash had occurred, residents and motorists rushed toward the damaged truck to help.
Hawkins and another man reportedly used pocket knives during efforts to free the occupants. Witnesses described smoke, debris and significant damage around the vehicle as people tried to assist before and during the arrival of emergency crews.
The scene was particularly alarming because of concerns that