Semi Burns South of Effingham

A semi was destroyed by fire Tuesday night south of Effingham.

Watson firefighters were called to I-57 northbound at the Watson-Mason interchange at 6:47pm. The semi was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters reached the scene, and the sleeper and the front half of the trailer was on fire.

The driver of the rig and a passenger got out unharmed. The driver is from Florida; he's a driver for a Chicago-based company.

Both northbound lanes of the interstate were closed for approximately 20 minutes and then one lane travel was the rule for another hour.

State police investigated the incident. Edgewood Bi-County firefighters assisted Watson firefighters at the scene, and Shumway firefighters covered the Watson station.

One firefighter was treated at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham after becoming overheated and dehydrated. He was given fluids and examined and then sent home.