Tractor Trailer Fire Closes I81 Near Whitney Point
No injuries are reported in a tractor trailer fire that shut down a portion of Interstate 81 near Whitney Point June 5.
Broome County Emergency Services officials say a rig carrying cellulose insulation and packing material caught fire at around 7:45 p.m just south of the on-ramp from Route 26 to Interstate 81 South at Exit 8.
The interstate between Whitney Point and Marathon was closed until about 8:24 p.m.
Authorities say motorists traveling on the southbound interstate in the area of Exit 8 reported seeing the tractor portion of the rig on fire. Responding fire crews from Whitney Point requested additional tankers as they reported the vehicle fully involved in flames.
The driver was able to escape and one lane of the highway was reopened in less than a half hour.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Emergency Communications officials had no information available on where the tractor trailer was from.