Massive Traffic Backup After Tractor-Trailer Fire In Southington; More Details Released: UPDATE

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A tractor-trailer fire on Interstate 84 in Southington early Thursday morning has caused major traffic backups as crews tended to the blaze, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The DOT reports the truck inferno was on I-84 East between exits 32 and 33, initially closing the highway in that direction, but as of 8:02 a.m., it had the right lane closed.

Subscribe

The fire was first reported at 12:55 a.m., and it is "unknown" when the scene will be cleared.

The fire has resulted in a 2.5-mile traffic backup on I-84 as of 8:03 a.m., according to the DOT.

According to the Southington Fire Department, firefighters battled the tractor-trailer fire shortly after it was called in, with crews calling for additional water and foam as they worked to extinguish the heavily involved trailer.

The SFD was dispatched at about 12:55 a.m. to I-84 east between exits 32 and 33.

Crews arrived to find the trailer portion of the vehicle fully involved in flames, according to the department.

The tractor itself was not burning and had been disconnected from the trailer before firefighters arrived. The driver was not injured.

Firefighters requested additional water and foam because of the heavy fire load.

The South Kensington Fire Department out of Berlin was called to provide a tanker.

Crews extinguished the fire and conducted an extensive overhaul of the trailer.

The truck was carrying bulk stock, and officials said no chemicals were involved.

Cheshire and Plainville fire departments provided mutual aid coverage in Southington while local crews worked at the scene and handled additional incidents. No injuries were reported.

For the latest DOT traffic report, including incident updates, click on this link.