(MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky.) — All westbound lanes of Interstate 24 have reopened following an overnight closure after a semi-truck hauling hazardous materials caught fire Tuesday evening.
The semi-truck, which was transporting a trailer full of 25-pound tanks containing a freon mixture, became fully engulfed in flames near the 31-mile marker. Multiple tanks exploded during the intense blaze, but no injuries were reported.
Emergency responders from six fire departments—Gilbertsville, Calvert City, Palma Briensburg, Grand Lakes, West Marshall, and Fairdealing Olive—battled the fire alongside law enforcement from Calvert City Police, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, and Kentucky State Police.
The westbound lanes of I-24 were shut down overnight to allow wrecker services to recover the truck and trailer while a hazmat team conducted cleanup operations. Motorists were detoured to Exit 27 before being able to return to the interstate.
Marshall County Central Dispatch coordinated radio and phone communications among responding agencies, which also included the Kentucky State EPA, Kentucky District One Highway Department, and Marshall County Emergency Management staff.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photo Courtesy of Marshall County Emergency Management
