Lemont, IL – A semi-truck erupted into flames on I-355 southbound near the Des Plaines River Bridge, causing major traffic delays and sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky Wednesday afternoon.
According to Illinois State Police, the blaze was reported around 1 p.m. just south of the Des Plaines River Bridge. Emergency responders arrived to find the truck’s cab fully engulfed, with flames rapidly spreading to the trailer. Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the inferno, which halted all southbound traffic and drew the attention of motorists and nearby residents.
As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire, and no injuries have been reported.
Drivers traveling through the Lemont and Lockport areas are urged to avoid southbound I-355 and seek alternate routes. Cleanup crews and investigators remain on the scene, and lanes are expected to be closed for several more hours.
The Illinois Department of Transportation has placed orange construction barrels to reroute traffic where possible, but heavy congestion is affecting arterial roads through the southwest suburbs.
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