Tractor-trailer fire shuts down turnpike

CHARLESTOWN >> A tractor-trailer fire closed the eastbound lanes on the Pennsylvania Turnpike east of the Downingtown interchange during the height of rush hour Monday morning.

The truck was stopped at mile marker 315.4 backing up eastbound traffic for miles.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Public Information Manager Kathleen Walter said all traffic exited at the Downingtown interchange and cars stuck on the road east of the interchange also turned around to exit at Downingtown until crews had the left lane cleared 90 minutes into the incident. The westbound lane was not affected.

“I was sitting in it, that’s how I get to work,” Walter said. “I know how people feel.”

Firefighters from Lionville Fire Company were dispatched at 7:50 a.m. for the fire and quickly requested additional assistance from East Whiteland, Malvern and Paoli.

Water supply issues prompted a request for tankers bringing units from Kimberton and Glen Moore.

The entire cab and front of the trailer was destroyed as firefighters used foam to extinguish the fire.

The Chester County HazMat unit was also requested due to a concern about the materials carried on the truck. The HazMat was cancelled when it was confirmed the trailer contained paper products and apple concentrate.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A Lionville firefighter monitors traffic at a tractor-trailer fire which shut down the eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike Monday morning.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The burned out cab of a tractor-trailer that shut down the eastbound lanes on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Monday morning.