A semi carrying tens of thousands of pounds of lithium-ion batteries caught fire on Interstate 70 in Indiana on Thursday, according to WTHR-TV. The fire shut down both directions of one of the state’s busiest commercial corridors and created a difficult, hours-long response for emergency crews.
All lanes of I-70 near Greenfield were closed for a period as traffic backed up for miles in both directions. Officials said the semi was carrying roughly 32,000 pounds of lithium-ion batteries, cargo known for producing intense fires that can be far more difficult to extinguish than ordinary vehicle fires.
The driver reportedly pulled over after hearing what he believed may have been a mechanical issue with the truck. Instead, he soon discovered the trailer carrying the batteries was on fire…