TAYLORSVILLE, Ind. – The German Township Volunteer Fire Department (GTVFD) responded to a tractor-trailer fire in 12-degree temperatures very early Friday morning, at I-65 and U.S. 31, near Taylorsville. Just after midnight, GTVFD arrived on the scene to find the rear tires of the tractor on fire and the flames spreading. Within moments, crews had the fire out. Because of their quickness, the fire was stopped before it got inside the cab of the semi.
Both lanes of northbound I-65 were closed for a few moments while the blaze was extinguished. The water from the fire hoses had quickly frozen causing the roadway to become very slick. A salt truck was requested to treat the ice build-up before all lanes were reopened.
Firefighters said their biggest problem was motorists not slowing down as they approached several emergency vehicles, passing firefighters at a high rate of speed. A few vehicles came very close to hitting fire trucks that were set up to block the scene to protect firefighters.
The semi driver said while driving he suddenly heard what sounded like an explosion near his rear tire and before he could get stopped he saw smoke and fire near the tires. The driver, and a passenger who was asleep in the sleeper, were able to exit the semi without injury.
