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SANDY — The driver of a truck escaped major injury after her vehicle hauling PVC glue caught on fire on I-15 southbound in Salt Lake County early Sunday morning, authorities said.
Three lanes were closed so crews could clean up the scene, but all lanes were open by Sunday evening.
Emergency crews first responded to a report of a trailer on fire at southbound I-15 near 9100 South shortly before 3:45 a.m., according to Utah Highway Patrol trooper Tara Wahlberg. She said a woman driving the semitruck pulled over after noticing mechanical issues.
After she stopped, she found that the vehicle's axles were on fire.
"She attempted to get them out with some water she had but it didn't work," Wahlberg said.
By the time fire crews arrived, the trailer full of highly flammable PVC glue was "fully engulfed," Wahlberg added. She added that the driver of the truck was taken to a hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns but was released later in the morning.
No other injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
The fire prompted an extensive cleanup that remained underway later Sunday morning. Utah Department of Transportation officials reported that three lanes were closed for a hazardous materials spill. In addition to the lane closures, the 9000 South on-ramp to I-15 was closed.
State troopers said that the lanes are expected to be closed until at least early afternoon. Drivers were still able to pass through the HOV lane and two other lanes in the area. UDOT cautioned drivers to expect 5- to 15-minute delays until the scene is cleared.
Contributing: Emerson Oligschlaeger, KSL
