It was Only Foam
Gary, Lake County-A semi trailer caught fire and everyone thought there were “hot chips” on board it turned out the trailer was loaded with rolls of foam insulation.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper John Holmen revealed at approximately 4:40 p.m., this Thursday, September 4, 2014, afternoon a 2014 Volvo semi pulling a box trailer that had “chips” advertised on both sides of the trailer, and driven by Ryan Edwards, 35 of Lafayette, Indiana was east bound on I-80 near Cline when motorists tried to get Edwards attention to let him know there was smoke coming from his trailer. Edwards was able to pull his semi over on the outer shoulder just east of Burr Street and saw smoke coming from the rear trailer axle. He unsuccessfully attempted to cool it using his fire extinguisher; when flames began to appear Edwards called 911.
Gary Fire Department arrived and extinguished the flames. The semi, owned by FL Transportation Incorporated out of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was loaded with 11,665 pounds of rolled foam insulation. Part of the load was damaged.
The right lane was closed for extinguishing of the fire, unloading of the insulation, and removal of the trailer.
Agencies assisting: Gary Fire Department and Indiana Department of Transportation Hoosier Helpers
Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Lowell District 13-Lowell, IN
1550 East 181st Avenue
Lowell, IN 46356
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 219-696-6242
Ann Wojas
Public Information Office
[email protected]
219-696-6242