18-Wheeler Explodes On I-10 Bayway

Alabama Mobile CAUGHT ON CAMERA ALDOT says the bridge is structurally safe.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Wed, September 02, 2009 - 11:44 am CST Last Updated: Wed, September 02, 2009 - 5:48 pm CST

6:48 p.m.
- Both lanes are now open.

5:52 p.m.
- Salvador Ruiz tells News 5 he's an independent truck driver. He was on his way from Orlando to Dallas.
- Ruiz says he got his tote bag, log book and wallet out of the truck before it was engulfed in flames.

4:35 p.m.
- The left lane has been reopened.
- ALDOT says the bridge is structurally sound.

12:44 p.m.
The westbound side of the I-10 Bayway is closed while crews clean up what's left of an 18-wheeler.

An 18-wheeler, carrying cans of AriZona Iced Tea from Orlando to Dallas, caught fire around 10:45 a.m. and exploded into a ball of flames a few minutes later. It burned for about 20 minutes before firefighters could extinguish the flames.

Mobile police say the truck's brakes locked up and caused the tires to catch on fire. The driver, 61 year old Salvador Ruiz, got out and tried to put the flames out with a fire extinguisher.

Westbound traffic is being detoured at exit 35 (Hwy 98) in Daphne and rerouted to the Causeway. The bridge will remain closed until Alabama Department of Transportation crews can remove the fiery wreckage and inspect the bridge to make sure it's structurally sound.

The Coast Guard is also inspecting Mobile Bay for any hazardous materials.

News 5's Kimberly Curth will let you know how long the bridge will be closed tonight on news 5 at 5:00 and 6:00.

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