Pond Branch, SC (Paul Kirby) – I-20 east between the 49 and 50 mile-markers was shut down for a short while Friday evening as Lexington County firefighters battled a tractor trailer fire. This is in the Pond Branch area of Lexington County.
When firefighters arrived, the truck was well involved in flames. The first due battalion chief, who had already reported seeing a dark column of smoke in the sky before he arrived, had ordered the interstate to be closed for the safety of the firefighters and passing motorist. He then advised other responding trucks to run “suicide” or west in the completely closed eastbound lanes to have better access to the fire. Several fire engines, a squad truck, and a tanker were all on the scene working under the supervision of the battalion chief.
According to Harrison Cayhill, spokesman for Lexington County, further investigation found that the semi was carrying 150+ car batteries. Hazardous material units responded and monitored the situation to ensure runoff did not impact the environment.
Cayhill said that no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
All lanes were reported to be reopened just before 8:00 p.m.
