Truck Fire Jammed Turnpike Near Route 29

A truck fire halted traffic in both directions of the Pennsyvlania Turnpike in Chester County Thursday afternoon.

A car-carrier truck caught fire around 3:09 p.m. Thursday in the westbound lanes near Route 29, at mile 319 between the Valley Forge and Downingtown interchanges, according to a Turnpike Commission spokesperson.

As of 4:06 p.m., the truck had been moved to the shoulder, but traffic was still stopped in both directions, resulting in a four-mile backlog.

At 5:42 p.m., CBS Radio (KYW-1060AM) reported that traffic had begun moving again, after reaching a backup length of about 8 miles. 

Early reports from the Turnpike Commission indicate that the truck might have blown a tire, sparking a fire that then spread to some of the cars being transported. This has not been confirmed by investigators at the scene.

Sources indicate that Paoli Fire Company responded to the scene. Lionville Fire Company also responded to assist.