Semi fire on I-35 blocking southbound traffic near Matfield Green

A semitrailer truck that was on fire was blocking both southbound lanes of traffic on the Kansas Turnpike just north of Matfield Green on Tuesday night, according to the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

Rachel Bell, a spokeswoman for the turnpike, said a crash was reported at around 6:45 p.m. at Mile Marker 105. The semi was the only vehicle involved, Bell said.

The semi caught fire and remained on fire until about 9 p.m., when the fire was pronounced out “or mostly out,” she said.

Bell said the driver of the vehicle was conscious and communicating with law enforcement.

Because both southbound lanes were blocked, drivers were being forced to exit at Emporia, and southbound traffic was not allowed to enter at Emporia.

Some drivers were stuck behind the crash for “multiple miles,” they reported. Some reported being stuck on the highway for almost three hours before a shoulder was opened to allow passage.

Bell said crews worked to turn vehicles around to get them unstuck.

“In that area, that’s about the only option once drivers are that far into the Flint Hills,” she said.

By 10:30 p.m., crews were still working to clear the road, Bell said.

This story was originally published October 13, 2015 at 7:44 PM with the headline "Semi fire on I-35 blocking southbound traffic near Matfield Green."