Section of I-30 west of the Franklin-Hopkins County line closed due to truck fire

A section of Interstate 30 West was closed for a short time on Saturday, December 11, 2021, due to a truck fire. Motorists traveling west from Franklin in Hopkins County have been warned to prepare for traffic delays or find an alternate route.

Hopkins County, Pickton-Pine Forest, Saltillo, Brinker and Mount Vernon firefighters, deputies and soldiers from the Texas Department of Public Safety responded around lunchtime on Saturday at the Vehicle fire reported on I-30 West. The incoming fire unit reported that a tractor-truck and box trailer were on fire near the 139-mile terminal on I-30 West. Firefighters were still working to completely extinguish the blaze, which damaged the cab of the truck and the front of the crate transport trailer that allegedly contained fertilizer.

Traffic was diverted from I-30 West onto the North Service Road at Exit 141, descending FM 900 to US 67. Unfortunately, some vehicles were stuck between FM 900 and damaged units with no immediate way to turn around. -tour, while emergency teams worked.

A lane on I-30 West had reopened just before 1 p.m. Saturday, but traffic was slow for a few miles as emergency crews worked to ensure the fire was extinguished so the damaged truck could be moved safely from the side of the road.

Eastbound I-30 traffic was unaffected by the vehicle fire, rescue officials said.