Screenshot of video taken by Rachel Heise showing a semi truck on fire as the vehicle drives south on Interstate 57 near mile marker 76 in Franklin County
UPDATE JULY 24, 2021, 9:35 A.M.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- Traffic is now moving about an hour after a semi-truck fire brought vehicles to a standstill in Franklin County.
The fire was contained just to the tractor and the trailer carrying the insulation was saved, according to Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum.
Cockrum says the fire was put out and both lanes are now open. Illinois State Police remains on scene along with a tow truck.
Sesser Fire District responded along with mutual aid from Benton, Ewing Northern, Jefferson Fire Protection District and West Frankfort.
ORIGINAL STORY
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- A fire is causing a long line of traffic on Interstate 57 in Franklin County Saturday morning.
The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency sent a Nixle alert around 8:34 a.m. warning of a semi truck on fire on the northbound lanes near mile marker 76. That's just south of the Rend Lake exit. Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes.
Photos sent in by one News 3 viewer shows the extent of that backup. The viewer says fire trucks are on scene.
Stay with News 3 for further updates to this story.
Looking south on Interstate-57 showing dozens of vehicles backed up after a semi caught fire. Photo taken by Melynda Mueller.
Looking north on Interstate-57 showing dozens of vehicles backed up after a semi truck (top) caught fire. Photo taken by Melynda Mueller.
