I came across this truck fire today (about 6 p.m.) on the way home from Atlanta, southbound in Interstate 75, near exit 228 in Stockbridge. There appeared to be no injuries. But what’s crazy is that while firefighters were extinguishing the blaze, something inside the truck exploded like fireworks (see below). The truck was pulling a trailer owned by Ira Higdon grocery stores, based in Cairo, Ga.
Luckily, I was able to get in front of the truck before the blocked off the interstate, I can only imagine how far this backed traffic up. I’m just glad no one was injured.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that NBC News picked up my photo:
Tim Hynes says
Saw the same fire on the way home yesterday mself–in fact, likely we passed that spot within minutes of each other, Kevin
Kevin Liles says
It was definitely a sight to see, Dr. Hynes!
Robert Harris says
This was my truck and no I’m not injured. Great pics by the way
Kevin Liles says
I’m glad that you are OK! Thank for you the compliment, but I hate that you lost a truck in the process and had to go through that ordeal.
Robert Harris says
It was insured and my boss didn’t get mad
Mark Spradlin says
The explosion you reference was likely a magnesium component of the truck ignited by the fire. It reacts violently when water is applied. I was the firefighter you see kneeling in one of your photos.
Great photos and thanks for posting them!
Kevin Liles says
Thanks for the explanation and the kind words, Mark. I just added the screenshot where NBC NEWS ran the photo (above) with you in it. Take care.