A tractor-trailer carrying Lunchables food products caught fire on I-44 east of Eureka early this morning, Jan. 22, causing major traffic delays.
Eureka Fire Chief Scott Barthelmass said crews arrived at 12:26 a.m. to find the 52-foot tractor-trailer on fire. He said the tractor-trailer was on the side of I-44 near the Williams Road exit, and the fire had spread to brush alongside the interstate.
“We believe the brakes overheated and then set the trailer on fire,” Barthelmass said. “Two of the three lanes (on I-44) were closed from the time we were on the call to about 8 a.m. It significantly backed up traffic, not only on I-44 but on many of the adjoining roadways.”
Barthelmass said the scene was cleared at about 3 a.m. and no injuries were reported. The trailer and the food products were destroyed, he said.
I-44 traffic was affected until at least 9 a.m.
The High Ridge, Fenton and Pacific fire protection districts assisted on the scene, he said.