I-35 reopens for rush hour after 18-wheeler fire

An 18-wheeler hauling vegetables to Tennessee erupted into flames on Interstate 35 on Tuesday. An 18-wheeler hauling vegetables to Tennessee erupted into flames on Interstate 35 on Tuesday. Photo: Caleb Downs Photo: Caleb Downs Image 1 of / 42 Caption Close I-35 reopens for rush hour after 18-wheeler fire 1 / 42 Back to Gallery

Northbound lanes of I-35 near the Loop 410 are back open, just in time for the afternoon rush hour, after crews worked most of the day to clear a burning 18-wheeler from the highway.

The 18-wheeler that was carrying okra and broccoli caught fire before 8:45 a.m., sending smoke billowing into the air and blocking all northbound lanes of I-35 in the area. Traffic backed up for miles in either direction.

One lane opened around 11 a.m. and a second shortly after 2 p.m.

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The driver of the 18-wheeler, who declined to be named, said he is an owner-operator for C.R. England delivering vegetables from Laredo to Tennessee. He said he hit a mattress in the highway about two miles before the site of the fire.

"Pieces were flying everywhere," but he wasn't able to pull over anywhere, he said.

Eventually a pickup honked at him to let him know the 18-wheeler was on fire, the driver said. He said he panicked, pulled over and waited for the fire department.

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San Antonio Fire Department Battalion Chief Steve Reuthinger said part of the difficulty in handling the fire was the lack of nearby hydrants. About five engines had to rotate between fighting the fire and refilling their tanks at a hydrant on Thousand Oaks.

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Twitter: @calebjdowns