Cement truck fire shuts down part of I-17 overnight

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The southbound lanes of I-17 at Peoria Avenue has reopened after being closed late Thursday night because of a cement truck fire.

According to witnesses, the fire caused several explosions, with flames shooting high in the air. Hazmat crews were on the scene after the fire started at about 11 p.m.

Phoenix police say the driver of the truck escaped the vehicle before it caught fire. He was not injured.

Hazmat crews responded to the scene and removed the rest of the fuel inside the diesel tank safely.

The southbound lanes on I-17 between Peoria and Thunderbird were closed for several hours overnight. All fire restrictions have been lifted.