A semitrailer fire closed eastbound Interstate 70 on Thursday morning near the border of Colorado and Utah, according to state officials.
Colorado State Patrol troopers responded to the fire at 6:20 a.m. at mile post 9, west of Loma, according to a news release from the agency. Initial reports indicated a tire caught fire before quickly spreading and engulfing the rest of the cab and the trailer, which was hauling dried cherries and chocolate.
The 35-year-old male driver was not injured, the release stated.
Eastbound I-70 was closed between Exit 2 for Rabbit Valley and Exit 11 for U.S. 6 near Loma at about 6:30 a.m., according to the release. Loma is approximately 18 miles northwest of Grand Junction.
The right lane of eastbound I-70 had reopened as of 4:40 p.m., according to , CDOT’s trip planning website. The left lane reopened at 9:18 a.m., according to the state patrol release.
