All southbound lanes of I-75 have been reopened, several hours after a tanker truck fire forced the highway's closure.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a truck transporting 8,500 gallons of diesel fuel caught fire near Sun City Center Boulevard shortly after 7 a.m. The tanker driver managed to pull the vehicle off to the side of the road, where the fire grew larger.
Authorities blocked all southbound lanes while crews arrived to the scene. Responding crews with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue found the tractor fully involved in flame, and they launched an aggressive attack on the fire to prevent the tank from rupturing.
Three tankers were used as a water source, since there are no hydrants along the interstate. After a couple of hours, firefighters extinguished the fire before it could reach the tank.
In an attempt to keep the area clear of traffic, southbound vehicles were diverted off the interstate at Big Ben Road. The highway was reopened to traffic at 1:30 p.m.
No injuries have been reported.