According to the Vermont State Police at 11:42 am on Friday, First Responders are still at the scene of a fire on Interstate 89 just north of Exit 11. The fire was first reported at approximately 09:30 hours after a TT unit hauling about 34,000 pounds of cheese caught fire. It appears that the fire was caused by a mechanical failure of the trailer brakes. The truck driver was able to pull to the breakdown lane and disconnect the tractor from the trailer before the fire got too big. The trucker was not injured, however, he was transported to FAHC by Richmond Rescue due to an unknown medical condition which he suffered shortly after disconnecting his truck from the burning trailer. Richmond, Williston and Underhill/Jericho Fire Departments responded as did members of the Vermont State Police, VT DMV, Richmond Police, Williston Police and Winooski Police. The fire resulted in the northbound lane of I89 being closed for approximately 1 hour. Currently there is one lane of travel open. The trailer and its contents were completely lost in the fire. Motorists can expect delays in this area for at least 2-3 more hours and are encouraged to avoid this area if possible.
The Vermont State Police reports at 9:33 am Friday that Interstate 89, northbound, is being closed off at Exit 11 (Richmond exit) due to a truck fire just above the exit ramp. The fire department is on-scene, and VSP and Richmond Police officers are responding to the area to assist with traffic. Expect delays traveling north. VSP advises to drive carefully. No other details on the truck fire are yet available.
Source: Vermont State Police 5.30.2014