Big-rig fire closes part of I-55

A tractor trailer fire closed both lanes of southbound Interstate 55 on Sunday morning.

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department received a call at 10:54 a.m., when the driver of the truck said his front right tire blew out at mile marker 100. He maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder, when the left side tire also popped.

Cape Girardeau firefighters work to extinguish a fire that destroyed the cab of a tractor trailer hauling windows Sunday morning, May 17, 2015 at the 100.6 mile marker near Center Junction of Interstate 55 north of Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Cape Girardeau Fire Department battalion chief Fred Vincel said the driver said he tried to extinguish a fire in the left tire but was unable to do so.

The cab of the semi was aflame by the time firefighters arrived and was considered a total loss. The trailer and its contents -- glass windows-- were unharmed.

The fire was contained by 11:18 a.m., with no injuries reported.

Both lanes of southbound I-55 were closed about 45 minutes.

Cape Girardeau firefighters work to extinguish a fire that destroyed the cab of a tractor trailer hauling windows Sunday morning, May 17, 2015 at the 100.6 mile marker near Center Junction of Interstate 55 north of Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

smaue@semissourian.com

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