Commercial concrete truck overturns, catches fire on I-85 in Macon County
A commercial concrete truck overturned and caught fire Friday morning on Interstate 85 in Macon County, prompting a response from multiple fire departments and causing significant traffic delays.
According to the Shorter Volunteer Fire Department, crews were dispatched at approximately 8:20 a.m. to a reported overturned single-vehicle crash involving a fire near mile marker 21 on southbound I-85.
When firefighters arrived, they found a commercial concrete truck on its side and fully engulfed in flames.
The Waugh-Mt. Meigs Fire/Rescue Department was requested to provide mutual aid. The first-arriving Waugh-Mt. Meigs unit helped supply water for the initial fire attack.
Shorter and Waugh fire crews were able to bring the fire under control within a few minutes.
Fire officials said the driver was able to get out of the vehicle on their own and did not sustain any injuries.
The crash has caused traffic restrictions in the area. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said both southbound lanes of I-85 near the 21-mile marker were closed as recovery operations began.
As a result, all southbound traffic is being diverted at Exit 22 onto U.S. 80. ALEA Troopers are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as recovery operations continue.
The Shorter Volunteer Fire Department also issued a reminder to motorists following the crash, noting that emergency crews encountered heavy traffic coming up the I-85 entrance ramp while responding to the scene.
Fire officials urged drivers to keep emergency lanes clear, obey traffic laws and remain alert, warning that traffic conditions can change rapidly during crashes and other emergencies.
Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays and use caution near the crash scene.
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