Traffic on Interstate 20 in Kilgore shut down following 18-wheeler crash, fire

KILGORE, Texas (KETK) - The Kilgore Fire Department said that Interstate 20 eastbound is completely blocked near U.S. [KETK]

A major thoroughfare in Kilgore ground to a standstill Thursday after a tractor-trailer rig collided and subsequently ignited on the roadway.

The incident occurred on Interstate 20 heading eastbound at approximately mile marker 588, according to the Kilgore Fire Department. The crash site sat between State Highway 42 North and the interchange with U.S. Highway 259 and State Highway 31.

Emergency responders completely shut down eastbound lanes of the interstate following the collision and resulting fire. The closure trapped vehicular traffic in the area as firefighters worked to address the emergency situation.

The Kilgore Fire Department responded to the scene and managed the traffic control as crews worked to extinguish the flames and clear the roadway. The extent of injuries, if any, and the cause of the crash remained unclear at the time of the reports.

Motorists in the area were diverted away from the closure as emergency personnel worked the scene. Officials did not immediately indicate when the roadway would reopen to through traffic.