Thursday Morning Semi Fire on I-57

Watson Fire Department was called to Interstate 57 at mile marker 153 for a semi tractor trailer fire at approximately 9:45 Thursday morning. When firefighters arrived on scene the semi was fully involved.

Effingham and Edgewood Fire Departments were requested at the scene and Teutopolis Fire Department was also asked to respond with a brush truck but was quickly told to disregard as the majority of the fire was reported to be out at 10:17.

State Police provided assistance with traffic controll as traffic on I-57 was brought to a stop for a short period of time due to smoke across the roadway and the firefighters responding to the scene. 

It was reported that brakes on the semi was the origin of the fire. The semi and its contents are expected to be a total loss.

We will have more details as they become available.