HOUSTON—An overturned 18-wheeler had an Eastex Freeway ramp completely blocked early Tuesday morning, backing up traffic for commuters.

It happened before 6 a.m. on the southbound ramp to the North Loop eastbound.

An 18-wheeler carrying a load of drill pipes flipped onto its side while going around a curve on the ramp.

The drill pipes spilled out onto the road.

It was unclear if the driver was injured.

Emergency crews responded to the scene, and by 7:45 a.m., they had the truck righted again.

Heavy lifting equipment was brought out to load the pipes back on the truck.