A tractor-trailer fire shut down all southbound lanes of traffic on I-75 near exit 289 or highway 20 Tuesday afternoon. According to Cartersville Police Department reports, officers were called to the area just before 3:30 p.m. to find a Kenworth tractor-trailer truck fully engulfed in flames. Officers shut down all lanes of travel of I-75 southbound. Once the fire was under control, crews on scene noticed damage to the overhead exit sign and structure. The sign was removed; damage is estimated at $28,000. The report states that inspection of the overhead structure took several hours. The highway was supposed to open at 5:00 p.m. but remained closed until 8:47 p.m.
The fire started with an engine malfunction. The trailer, which was loaded with eggs also ignited. The driver of the truck was not charged. The truck, owned by Sunmeet Way of California received significant damage. The driver will not be charged.