Tractor-trailer goes up in flames on Florida’s Turnpike. Traffic is stalled for hours

The fire started in the cab of an 18-wheeler and quickly spread to the trailer.

The driver escaped as Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews — including a foam truck from Miami International Airport — rushed to quash the flames sending billowing black smoke into the air.

The scene played out on the southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike near Kendall Drive at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Traffic was stalled for hours as crews put out the fire and cleaned up the charred remains of truck.

“It was an intense fire,” said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Felipe Lay. “There was a lot of smoke.”

The southbound lanes remained closed for about two hours.

Lay said it wasn’t clear what caused the fire. No one was hurt in the blaze.

This story was originally published January 4, 2017 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Tractor-trailer goes up in flames on Florida’s Turnpike. Traffic is stalled for hours."