VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Update: As of 9:00 p.m., all lanes on I-70 westbound near 13 mile marker are now open.
As of 4:10 p.m., the passing lane of I-70 westbound has been re-opened to traffic.
Original: A semi-trailer fire has caused the shutdown of westbound traffic along Interstate-70 near Terre Haute.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames, the incident occurred near the 13 mile marker of I-70 westbound. Ames said the driver of the semi-truck, a 62-year-old Staunton man had a mechanical issue causing one of the two trailers he was hauling to catch fire.
“[driver] immediately pulled over to the emergency lane disconnected the tractor from the trailers and called 911,” Ames said.
The semi-trailers were fully engulfed in flames as fire crews began to arrive on scene. Both trailers are considered a loss as a result.
Traffic has been shut down to give crews from Riley and Honey Creek Fire departments the room to work, drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
Assisting ISP in the incident were members of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, as well as private wrecker services.
This is a developing story, follow MyWabashValley.com for updates as they become available.
