Keeping the road hot—big rig rolls smoke, flames

A tractor-trailer traveling by Mt. Vernon on I-44 just after midnight Sunday night, caught fire as it was driving down the road—beginning with its tires. As the driver noticed flames, he managed to pull over and unhook the trailer, which was eventually consumed by the inferno, and a total loss. The wreckage, which is now a pile of ash along westbound I-44 at the 48 mile marker, includes not only the trailer but also its contents of dry goods, such as food and makeup, according to Mt. Vernon Fire Chief Brad DeLay, who fought the blaze. The trailer was fully involved by the time fire trucks arrived, which included help from Halltown Fire and Aurora Rural Fire. (Photo by Ryan Squibb)