Drivers in Cornelius and Huntersville dealt with major traffic headaches throughout the morning Wednesday after a tractor-trailer caught fire and crashed on Interstate 77. The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes near exit 28. Firefighters said the tractor-trailer caught fire but there was no word on any injuries.
Cornelius Firefighters Going To Work On I-77 At Exit 28. pic.twitter.com/OPRiQ4MMk8
— Peter Blaich (@Roofsopen) April 11, 2018
Crews were able to get the fire under control but also had to work to contain a diesel fuel leak from the big rig. The cleanup was extensive and affected drivers all morning. One lane was reopened around 8 a.m. but officials did not expect the interstate to reopen completely until noon.
Crews are sawing off pieces of the cab as they attempt to tow the tractor trailer. @TrafficTeam9 @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/0lMQLMcVBz
— Gina Esposito (@GinaWSOC9) April 11, 2018