Avocados spill across Texas highway after delivery truck catches fire

A Texas highway was shut down for more than three hours after a truck carrying 40,000 pounds of avocados caught on fire Thursday afternoon.  (Reuters)

Thousands of pounds of scorched avocados forced the closure of a Texas highway after a truck hauling the superfood caught fire Thursday afternoon.

The highway was closed for more than three hours as officials worked to clean up the 40,000 pounds of avocado mess, the Guardian reported, citing local media outlets.

No one was injured in the truck fire, which was believed to be the result of a mechanical failure, according to the Texas department of public safety, the Guardian reported.

Mexico is the largest distributor of the green fruit known for its healthy fats. It is believed to help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Avocado prices have sharply recently as harsh weather has affected production, the paper reported.

As of May, the average cost for Hass avocados was $1.27 each, which is an increase of 98 cents from the previous year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

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