Traffic cameras captured a semi‑truck blaze on Interstate 30 near the 136‑mile marker in Little Rock on Tuesday afternoon, creating a bottleneck for eastbound drivers. Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) released the video, showing thick smoke and flames licking the side of the vehicle before emergency crews arrived.
Impact on commuters
Motorists reported a noticeable slowdown in the eastbound lanes as the fire was contained. The incident did not result in a full lane closure, but traffic was delayed for several minutes while responders worked to extinguish the flames and clear the scene.
Response and investigation
ARDOT and local fire units responded quickly, deploying fire‑suppression equipment to control the blaze. At the time of reporting, officials said there were no confirmed injuries, and the extent of the cargo the truck was carrying remained unknown. ARDOT has pledged to investigate the cause of the fire and will release further details as they become available.
Safety reminders for drivers
Incidents like this underscore the importance of staying alert on the highway and obeying traffic advisories. Drivers are encouraged to maintain a safe following distance, especially in areas where construction or emergencies may arise. If you encounter a similar situation, pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and follow the instructions of law‑enforcement or emergency personnel.
What’s next?
ARDOT will continue to monitor the situation and update the public on any developments, including whether the semi‑truck’s cargo poses any environmental or safety concerns. Commuters can check ARDOT’s website or local news outlets for real‑time traffic updates and alternate route suggestions.
For now, eastbound traffic on I‑30 is returning to normal as crews finish clearing debris and conducting a final safety sweep of the roadway.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
