Semi-truck’s trailer catches fire and blocks lane of I-15; diverts traffic

UPDATE 7:23 a.m.: Idaho State Police reports a semi-trailer hauling office products caught on fire and exploded Wednesday night around 11 p.m. on Interstate 15 around mile post 101.

The truck driver was able to unhook the trailer.

Southbound lanes were shut down for several hours and traffic diverted.

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UPDATE: A witness said a semi-truck’s brake line broke and caught the trailer on fire at about 11.29 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters were able to unhook the truck from the trailer in time. No injuries were reported.

The left lane, southbound, is no longer blocked at milepost 98. The right lane will remain blocked while crews work to clear the scene. Shelley, Firth, and Blackfoot Fire departments responded to put out the fire. Idaho State Police troopers were assisted by Bingham County Deputies for traffic control.

ORIGINAL:

Idaho State Police are on the scene of a vehicle fire, southbound on Interstate 15 near milepost 95, in Blackfoot. At this time, southbound traffic is being diverted off exit 98. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.