*****UPDATE*******
Fair Oaks, Jasper County-- All lanes north and south bound are open on I-65 at mile marker 223. Motorists are encouraged to use caution as traffic backups may continue in the area for some time.
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Master Trooper Glen Fifield
Indiana State Police
At Approximately 2:00 a.m. State Police were advised of a tractor-trailer fire on I-65 at the 223 mile marker. This is approximately 7 miles south of Roselawn, IN.
Investigation by Master Trooper Martin Benner revealed that a tractor and dual trailer owned by R & L Transfer Inc (Wilmington, OH) driven by Darius Lofton, age 27, (Chicago, IL) sustained a brake fire to the rear trailer. Lofton was able to pull over to the right shoulder and attempted to extinguish the fire. As this attempt was unsuccessful, Lofton unhitched the trailer from the front trailer and pulled forward. The trailer then caught fire.
The trailer was loaded with Hazmat consisting of 55 gallon barrels of sodium hydroxide and phosphonium chloride. All lanes of I-65 were shut down due to the fire.
North bound lanes have reopened however southbound traffic is being diverted at State Road 10. Motorists should use alternative routes as I-65 southbound lanes will remain closed for several hours for the hazardous material cleanup.
Assisting at the scene is Keener Twp. Fire, Cheevers Towing, Sunpro Hazmat, IDEM and INDOT.
Master Trooper Glen Fifield
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