Laurel, MS - An 18 wheeler fire shut down I-59 at the 99 mile marker just north of Laurel city limits early this morning. Terry Lee Moore was delivering nine cars from Georgia to Houston, Texas, when the fire ignited about 1:21 a.m. Moore stated the fire originated near one of the trailer axles. Upon the fire departments' arrival, the truck's trailer and the cars being transported were fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters battled the blaze until just before 3:00 a.m. and the southbound lanes of I-59 remained closed during that time. After the fire was completely extinguished, firefighters found heavy damage to the cab of the truck, but the engine was still running.
Firefighters and apparatus from eight volunteer departments responded to the scene: Rustin, M & M, Sandersville, Glade, Calhoun, Sharon, Shady Grove and Powers. Firefighters also utilized the county's foam trailer to aid in battling the fire. Emergency management officials, Laurel Police Department, Jones County Sheriff's Office, and Emserv Ambulance Service were also on scene.
Moore stated he drove for US Auto Transport. No injuries were reported.