Lawrence, IN - Just before 1:00 this afternoon a semi tractor-trailer carrying bales of straw caught fire on I-465 northbound just north of 56th Street on the east side. The load of straw caught fire for unknown reasons on the trailer while traveling on the interstate. The driver of the semi was able to stop on the right shoulder and unhook the tractor from the trailer preventing further damage. The entire 13,000 pounds of straw must be off loaded on the side of the road as fire crews from the Lawrence Fire Department extinguish the smoldering flames.
Crews from the City of Lawrence Street Department as well as the State Highway Department are on scene assisting with the clean up. The right two lanes are expected to be closed for an extended period of time. There were no injures as a result of this incident.
Major traffic congestion is expected over the next few hours. Drivers in the area are encouraged to seek alternate routes of travel. The two left lanes will remain open during the clean-up process.
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Perrine
