A tractor trailer fire temporarily blocked westbound lanes of the Highway 70 Clayton Bypass near Ranch Road early this morning (Tuesday).
The grocery truck operators said other truckers and cars started flashing their lights at them just before 4 a.m., so they pulled over thinking maybe they left the back door of trailer open. That’s when they saw the flames coming up from under the trailer.
The truck operators were able to disconnect the trailer from the cab before the fire spread. Clayton Fire Department crews quickly arrived and extinguished the flames.
No one was injured. One lane westbound was eventually reopened before both lanes fully reopened after a large tow truck removed the damaged trailer.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office assisted with traffic control.
The fire appears to have started from a mechanical issue.
