I-94 Semi Fire: Semi Was Carrying 45,000 Pounds Of Bottled Water

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — An overturned semi truck that caught fire and spilled fuel into the Menomonee River forced a freeway closure for eight hours Friday, sheriff's officials said.

According to a FOX6 report, the semi truck carrying 45,000 pounds of bottled water rolled over on I-94 near the Miller Park Stadium interchange just before 6 a.m. Friday.

Sheriff's officials said the driver suffered minor injuries and had gotten out of the truck before the fire. He showed no signs of impairment.

According to observers, the flames and plume of smoke could be visible for miles as motorists encountered the breathtaking incident during the morning commute. Flames were reportedly shooting 20 to 30 feet into the air as the truck lay on its side.

The flames engulfed the cab and trailer of the semi truck, leaving the remnants of the cab and the metal skeleton of the trailer only.

Multiple Milwaukee Fire Department engines responded, along with paramedic units. Sheriff's officials reported that between 50-60 gallons of diesel fuel had drained into a sewer which discharged below the freeway by the Menomonee River. The fuel ignited a small brush fire and an empty trailer in the parking lot below the freeway. The Hazardous Material Response team arrived and determined that the diesel fuel burned off and no containment was needed in the river.

Image Via Wisconsin Department of Transportation Traffic Camera