Lake County, IN – A major morning semi-truck fire shut down a stretch of Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana, causing significant traffic disruptions and hours-long cleanup efforts.
According to the Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 5:14 a.m. to a vehicle fire on I-65 northbound near the 213–214 mile marker. What initially appeared to be a smaller incident quickly escalated into a large-scale blaze involving a semi loaded with cardboard container material.
Fire officials said the truck was carrying massive rolls of cardboard, which fueled intense flames and heavy smoke visible from miles away. Crews worked for approximately three hours to bring the fire under control.
According to INDOT Northwest, all northbound lanes of I-65 near U.S. 231 were closed following the incident to allow for cleanup and inspection of potential roadway damage. Officials noted that pavement conditions would need to be assessed before safely reopening the highway.
Drivers in the area were urged to seek alternate routes as delays built throughout the commute.
No immediate information on injuries has been released. Authorities have not said what caused the fire, and the incident remains under investigation.
Motorists traveling through Lake County and surrounding areas should expect lingering impacts as crews continue cleanup and repairs.
