Early Saturday morning, a serious traffic incident occurred on the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in the town of Topsfield, Massachusetts. A small passenger car struck the rear of a box truck, causing the larger vehicle to catch fire.
Scene and response
Video captured at the scene shows the car colliding with the back of the box truck, after which thick black smoke began to pour from the truck’s cargo area. Massachusetts State Police arrived quickly, establishing a perimeter and directing traffic while fire‑rescue units worked to extinguish the blaze.
First‑responders reported that the fire was intense but localized to the truck’s rear compartment. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigators are reviewing dash‑cam footage and interviewing witnesses to understand why the collision led to a fire.
Injuries and investigation
At the time of reporting, NBC10 Boston had reached out to the state police for information on possible injuries. No official statements about injuries have been released, and authorities have asked the public to refrain from speculation until the investigation is complete.
The Massachusetts State Police will conduct a full investigation into the crash, examining factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and any potential mechanical issues with the box truck that could have contributed to the fire.
Impact on traffic
The incident caused a temporary shutdown of the northbound lanes of I‑95 near the Topsfield exit. Motorists were detoured onto alternate routes while crews worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the roadway was safe for travel. Drivers were advised to check local traffic reports for updates before attempting to use the affected stretch of highway.
Local officials reminded drivers to maintain safe following distances, especially on high‑speed interstates, and to report any hazardous conditions promptly to law‑enforcement or highway patrol.
Community response
Residents of Topsfield expressed concern over the incident, noting that I‑95 is a major commuter corridor for the region. Community members posted on social media, urging caution and thanking first‑responders for their swift action.
State police continue to monitor the scene, and a follow‑up report will be issued once the investigation yields more details about the cause of the fire and any potential safety recommendations.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
