Franklin, IN - An early morning semi fire closed the northbound lanes of I-65 just north of the Franklin Exit. Around 6:20 AM the Indiana State Police received reports of a semi on fire on I-65 at the 93 mile marker. Responding troopers found a semi tractor-trailer fully engulfed in flames blocking both lanes of traffic northbound. It was quickly determined the semi was loaded with a corrosive hazardous material and a HAZMAT response team from the Greenwood Fire Department responded to the scene. The driver of the 2005 Freightliner is Cellou Sow, 54, of Georgia. The semi is registered to FAF Incorporated in Groverport Ohio. It appears the fire was started when the semi sideswiped a concrete construction barrier and ruptured a fuel tank, the driver was able to get out of the truck and was not injured.
I-65 northbound is expected to remain closed for at least four hours while the scene is cleaned up.Northbound traffic is being diverted at exit 76 onto US 31 in Edinburgh.
Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes, US 31 in Franklin has become very congested due to the detour.
This is an ongoing investigation and there is no further information available at this time.
Investigating Officers: Master Trooper Kelly Lazzell, Trooper Thomas Burgett of the Indiana State Police
Assisting Agencies -
INDOT
Franklin Fire Department
Greenwood Fire Department
Johnson County Sheriff's Department
Franklin Police Department
Hix Wrecker Service
Rieth-Riley Construction Company
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