A long stretch of the eastbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike are closed this morning as a tractor trailer fire continues to burn. Fire crews have been on the scene since about 2 a.m. trying to put out the flames in Cumberland County. The road will probably be closed for several hours.
Emergency responders got a call for a truck that was driving in the eastbound lanes with fire coming from the trailer. After about 10 miles, police were able to stop the truck. The truck, that was carrying tires, burst into flames and has been burning since. As of 5:55 a.m., smoke and flames could be seen still coming from the trailer. Fire crews continue to douse the flames with water in hopes of putting out the hotspots.
Fire crews will have to put out the flames and begin the cleanup. Once the cleanup is complete, road crews will have to survey the road and a bridge that the burning trailer is sitting on to make sure there is no damage to either. All of this will need to be done before the road can be reopened.
Originally, the fire closed the road causing a 3 to 4 mile backup. The backlog has been alleviated but the road still remains closed at the Breezewood Interchange, exit 161. Drivers can ride Route 30 to Interstate 81 North and then back up to the PA Turnpike.
Stick with FOX43 as we continue to follow this breaking situation. For live updates, follow reporter Michael Gorsegner on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/michaelgorsegnerfox43 or Twitter at https://twitter.com/MichaelFox43.