UPDATE: Cause of semitruck carrying spray paint cans exploding into flames on I-65 revealed, all lanes reopened
UPDATE: The Indiana State Police report around 1 p.m. Monday, troopers responded to a vehicle fire on I-65 in the southbound lanes at the 231 mile-marker.
Police say a 2021 Volvo semitruck, operated by Swift Transportation, was traveling south when the driver pulled over due to a mechanical problem with the vehicle.
When she stopped, police say she noticed the brakes on one side of the trailer were glowing red and started on fire.
The driver then attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher from the truck's cab, but the fire quickly spread to the trailer which contained cans of spray paint.
Police say the fire also spread to the nearby trees and even caused the asphalt roadway to catch fire.
Several local fire departments responded to the scene along with Lake County HazMat and Response Management Services who removed the contaminated materials and dirt.
All lanes were closed for a time due to the situation, and southbound traffic was diverted to S.R. 2 at exit 240.
After the fire was out, police say northbound lanes were reopened while southbound lanes remained closed. Eventually police say they opened one southbound lane to alleviate the traffic jam.
When traffic was cleared, south bound lanes were closed again for further cleanup.
ISP say the scene was cleared Monday night before 11:30 p.m.
INDOT contacted their contractor to replace a large section of asphalt that had irreparable damage from the fire.
As of 6:31 a.m. Tuesday, Sergeant Glen Fifield with the ISP Lowell post reports southbound lanes have reopened.
DE MOTTE, Ind. -- Sergeant Glen Fifield with the Indiana State Police Lowell Post reported via X a semitruck carrying aerosol cans burst into flames in the southbound lanes of I-65 near exit 230 Monday afternoon.
Police say all lanes of traffic have been closed and will remain closed for an indeterminate period of time.
Once it is safe, police say traffic will be escorted around the area.
Police are also asking drivers who are stuck in the traffic jam to be patient and not to drive north in the southbound lanes.
Authorities say the cleanup is expected to last into the night due to the surface of the roadway being significantly damaged.
The driver of the semi was uninjured.
Indiana Department of Transportation released the following statement:
"This is going to require extensive cleanup, as well as possible road repairs before reopening. Plan for I-65 southbound to remain closed in this location for the foreseeable future. We will update as we have a more definitive timeline."