A fully involved semi-truck fire temporarily shut down eastbound Interstate 64 near Morehead on Thursday evening, causing significant traffic delays and prompting a response from multiple emergency agencies.
The fire was reported around 5:06 p.m. near mile marker 137, just before the Morehead exit in the eastbound lanes. Witnesses reported heavy smoke visible from the Walmart area as firefighters and other emergency personnel rushed to the scene.
According to Kristi Sexton Honaker of the Rowan County Scanner Group, the tractor-trailer was hauling a non-toxic weed killer. By 5:11 p.m., she reported that the truck was fully involved in flames, the driver had safely escaped without injury, and traffic had come to a complete stop.
The Morehead Police Department later issued a traffic alert advising motorists that the incident was impacting the slow lane as traffic backed up into Carter County. Officials warned drivers to expect delays, avoid the area if possible, and use caution while allowing first responders room to work. Police also noted that the roadway would remain closed for the foreseeable future while emergency crews handled the scene.
The Morehead Minute was among the first local news outlets to report on the fire after observing the incident from the former Big Lots area, advising readers to seek alternate routes around the eastbound lanes.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the intensity of the fire.
The Morehead Minute extends its appreciation to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and other first responders who worked the scene to protect motorists and bring the incident under control.
Sources: Morehead Police Department; Kristi Sexton Honaker, Rowan County Scanner Group.