Semi Truck Engulfed in Flames on I-95 South Near Wickham Road
If you’ve been stuck in traffic on I-95 South this afternoon, here’s why. A red semi-truck has been completely destroyed by fire just past the Wickham Road exit, creating significant delays for Melbourne-area commuters.
I was heading south when I spotted the massive plume of black smoke rising above the highway. What I saw next was something straight out of an action movie – a semi-truck completely engulfed in flames on the shoulder of I-95.
What Happened to the Semi-Truck on I-95?
According to eyewitnesses, the red semi-truck caught fire around 2 PM today. The blaze quickly consumed the entire vehicle, leaving nothing but a charred metal frame. Brevard County Fire Rescue responded promptly to the scene, working to contain the fire before it could spread to nearby brush or affect other vehicles.
Thankfully, early reports suggest the driver managed to escape without serious injury, though this information has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
Traffic Impact on Melbourne Commuters
As of this writing, traffic is backed up for several miles heading southbound. If you’re planning to travel on I-95 South through Melbourne this afternoon or evening, you might want to consider these alternate routes:
- Wickham Road to Eau Gallie Boulevard – A good east-west alternative
- US-1 – Running parallel to I-95, though expect increased volume
- Babcock Street – Another north-south option for local traffic
Florida Highway Patrol officers are on the scene directing traffic, with one lane currently open for vehicles to pass slowly by the incident area.
What Causes Semi-Truck Fires?
While the exact cause of today’s fire hasn’t been determined, semi-truck fires often result from:
- Brake system overheating
- Electrical system failures
- Engine problems
- Tire failures that escalate to larger fires
- Fuel system leaks
These incidents, while dramatic, serve as important reminders about vehicle maintenance and safety protocols for all drivers.
How to Stay Safe During Highway Emergencies
If you find yourself near a vehicle fire or other highway emergency:
- Keep your distance – vehicle fires can intensify quickly
- Follow all instructions from emergency personnel
- Don’t slow down unnecessarily to look at incidents (“rubbernecking”)
- Stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise
- If caught in standstill traffic, leave space for emergency vehicles
I’ve lived in Melbourne for years, and while we occasionally see accidents on I-95, a semi-truck fire of this magnitude is fortunately rare in our area.
Updates to Come
We’ll continue monitoring the situation and update this post as more information becomes available about the cause of the fire, any injuries, and when normal traffic flow is expected to resume.
Have you witnessed the fire or been caught in the resulting traffic? Share your experience in the comments below or send us your photos (from a safe distance, of course!).
Stay safe out there, Melbourne!
Source link: Original report