U.S. Highway 287 Closed After 18-Wheeler Overturns, Millions of Dimes Spilled
ALVORD, TX — A crash Tuesday morning around 5:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 287 left millions of dimes scattered across the southbound lanes, shutting down traffic for most of the day.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), an 18-wheeler carrying approximately 8 million dimes valued at $800,000 overturned after the driver lost control near Alvord High School. The driver and a passenger were transported to Medical City Decatur with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Authorities reported that cleanup crews used vacuums and street sweepers to gather the spilled dimes, which ended up in a nearby ditch and on the roadway. The highway remains closed as these efforts continue, with no estimated time for reopening.
Witnesses reported the scene was chaotic as the loose change was collected. The DPS has confirmed the total value of the spilled dimes is $800,000, despite earlier reports of a lower figure.
Emergency services are on-site managing the situation. Further investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.