Tractor-Trailer Fire on I-270 Slows Morning Commute

A tractor-trailer caught on fire Wednesday morning on the southbound side of I-270 between Montgomery Village Avenue and I-370, causing lane closures and extensive delays. The trailer was carrying food products, and — according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer — most of the products were taken out of the trailer and saved from the flames.

The fire was reported at about 4:45 a.m., and though the fire was under control, within an hour, multiple lanes were closed for several hours afterward to allow for cleanup.

During the fire, all southbound lanes on I-270 were blocked, and WTOP’s Traffic Center reported a 6-mile backup at about 6 a.m.

Update – SB I270 near Clopper Rd, btwn Rt124 Montgomery Village Ave & I370, TT carrying food products, on fire, all lanes BLOCKED SB pic.twitter.com/WiMVjEFbx7

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 8, 2019

About Sam Merrill

Intern at Montgomery Community Media, senior broadcast journalism major at the University of Maryland.

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