INDIANAPOLIS — A section of State Road 37 is closed on Indy’s south side because of a burning tanker truck, according to Indiana State Police.
As of 7 a.m., all northbound and southbound lanes of SR 37 were shut down between Fairview and Southport Roads.
Traffic is being diverted at Southport Road and Smith Valley Road, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation. Drivers should seek alternate routes due to big backups and long delays.
Investigators think a front tire on the semi-truck blew out in one of the northbound lanes, causing the semi to hit a guardrail. The fuel tank ruptured, causing a fire, ISP Sgt. John Perrine said on Twitter. The driver was able to escape the burning semi before it became engulfed.
A cloud of smoke could be seen for several miles as crews worked to put out the fire.
Drivers can expect an “extended” road closure because of significant damage to the concrete surface of the southbound lanes, Sgt. Perrine said on Twitter.
