Truck Catches Fire Under I-84 Overpass in Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — A truck caught fire on Interstate-84 in Tolland Friday morning and was engulfed in flames right underneath an overpass.

Tolland fire officials said the tractor-trailer had burst into flames and was fully involved when firefighters arrived at the scene at about 5:20 a.m. It was on the on the westbound side of the highway, just prior to Exit 68, fire officials said.

The burning truck was stopped directly under the Old Cathole Road overpass, fire officials said.

Both sides of I-84 were initially closed, but the eastbound lanes were re-opened quickly. Fire officials said they initially feared that the westbound side of the highway and Old Cathole Road would be closed for an extended period of time.

Fire officials said they also feared the fire could compromise the integrity of the overpass.

Crews made quick work of the blaze, however, and at 6:20 a.m., it was determined the bridge was safe to reopen, fire officials said. Students were able to get to local schools, officials said.

At 7:30 a.m., the westbound left lane reopened, fire official said. State police said the center lane reopened a short time later.

State Department of Transportation engineers and representatives from the state Department of Consumer Protection joined firefighters and state police at the scene.

At sunrise, soot could be seen over a lengthy portion of the bridge.

Officials did not elaborate on what the cargo might have been.

State police reported no injuries.

Photo Credit: Tolland Alert