Bismarck, ND – A section of Interstate 29 in North Dakota was temporarily closed Saturday night after a semi-truck hauling more than 40,000 pounds of pork meat became fully engulfed in flames. The fire broke out around 10:30 p.m., causing the side of the trailer to split open.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported that, despite the intensity of the blaze, no injuries were sustained. The semi, which had been traveling with a substantial load of frozen pork, was quickly overtaken by flames. Fire crews worked to control the fire, but the damage to the trailer and the surrounding area was significant.
One of the challenges faced during the cleanup was the presence of burning pork fat, which spilled onto the road as the fire consumed the cargo. The fat, which continued to burn, made it difficult to clear the scene. Crews had to work diligently to remove the debris and address the fire’s effects on the highway surface.
The interstate was shut down temporarily, with both northbound and southbound lanes closed. By noon on Sunday, the highway had been cleared, and both lanes of traffic were reopened to the public.
The incident highlights the complexities involved in handling large-scale fires on highways, especially when hazardous materials or perishable cargo like meat are involved. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage to the road and are urging drivers to remain cautious in the area as cleanup efforts wind down.
