Troopers

Traffic through Cullman County stalled along Interstate 65 during a busy period Wednesday as emergency responders worked to extinguish a tractor-trailer fire. 

The lanes reopened after more than 90 minutes.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 shut down completely Wednesday afternoon near Colony at Exit 291, where the 18-wheeler caught fire.

The incident occurred just before the turnoff to the exit in the Interstate’s northbound lanes. According to emergency dispatch reports, the tanker was carrying refrigerant when a fire began in its engine compartment.

Alabama State Troopers said it took approximately 90 minutes to clear the scene and start traffic moving again.

Colony, Arkadelphia, Hanceville, Dodge City, Good Hope, Cullman and county hazmat firefighters were all called to the scene to assist.