TAMPA, Fla. — A semi-truck fire on Interstate 75 thwarted morning rush-hour traffic in Tampa Thursday.

  • Semi catches fire on Interstate 75 in Tampa
  • Fire caused FHP to close SB I-75 
  • Axle of semi caught fire; no injuries 
  • BN9 Real Time Traffic

The fire broke out just as the semi neared Fletcher Avenue on southbound I-75 just before 4 a.m. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the rear axle caught fire. 

The semi was hauling 5,000 pounds of empty Bang energy drink cans.

There were no injuries.

However, Troopers had to close the interstate as firefighters dealt with the flames. Traffic was taken off the interstate at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

One lane of traffic was reopened at 7 a.m. but southbound traffic remained backed up for several hours. All lanes were reopened before 8:30 a.m.

The fire remains under investigation.