OVID TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – A fire on a semi tractor trailer that was carrying hazardous materials shut down a portion of northbound I-69 in Branch County early Friday morning.
The Lakeland Fire Department was initially dispatched to northbound I-69 at Central Road near the weigh station at 4:37 a.m. for what was first described as a brake fire.
Michigan State Police is investigating the incident. Troopers say the Fed Ex semi was hauling a double trailer that was transporting Nitric Acid in both trailers.
After the fire started in the rear brakes, it spread to the back of the trailer which became engulfed in flames and sustained significant damage.
The northbound side was shut down until the Lakeland Fire Department was able to put out the fire and ensure travel was safe.
At one point, northbound I-69 was closed between the Copeland and Fenn Road exits.
No injuries have been reported.
The left hand lane was re-opened to traffic at about 7:00 a.m. but traffic was slow in the area.
State Police announced just after 10:30 a.m. that all lanes were reopened.
A HAZMAT crew from the Department of Enviromental Quality was called in to help with the clean up.
