photo credit: Caleb Moore
Drivers making their way through Mountain Home Tuesday evening had their evening commute disturbed by the sight and sound of a semi truck seemingly on fire.
The incident which occurred at the intersection of Highway 62 and First Street at approximately 5:20 involved a Model 579 Peterbilt heading east through Mountain Home. Witnesses originally reported the truck was moving through town in the left lane with it’s hazards flashing. As it stopped at the HWY 62 and First Street traffic light a loud explosion was heard and black smoke began pouring out of the back of the truck around the rear duals.
One witness on the scene who was stopped right next to the truck in the right lane recounted thinking that the explosion had damaged their vehicle due to the percussive impact of at least one rear tire exploding. The driver of the truck was observed using a portable fire extinguisher on the rear of the Peterbilt with black smoke escaping. Mountain Home Police Department were on scene almost immediately directing traffic and assessing the situation. Mountain Home Fire Department (MHFD) arrived on scene with two units and quickly extinguished the flames and smoke. In the incident report it was stated that the back driver’s dual had caught fire due to a bad brake drum on the truck.
No damage to surrounding vehicles or property was reported and no injuries were reported. MHFD was on scene for twenty minutes with 8 fire personnel.
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