Rig Fire Closes Alligator Alley in Fla.
WESTERN BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. --
A tractor-trailer fire closed Alligator Alley in both directions in western Broward County shortly before noon Monday.
A representative of the Florida Highway Patrol said the truck was moving east on Interstate 75 when it caught fire near mile marker 47.
According to Mike Jachles of Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, the truck, driven by 46-year-old Stevo Antic, of Northport, Fla., was hauling 42,000 pounds of ground plastic from Chicago to Miami.
Broward County firefighters contained the fire to the truck's cargo area, preventing it from spreading to the cab or the tanks, which held 200 gallons of diesel fuel, fire officials said.
FHP said no injuries were reported.
Fire officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The westbound lanes reopened first, and the eastbound lanes were closed for about four and a half hours, police said.
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