TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol closed southbound I-75 in Hillsborough County for several hours after a semi-truck caught fire early Thursday morning.
Emmen Ahmed, 45 of Virginia, was driving a 2012 Volvo semi-truck southbound on I-75, north of Fletcher Avenue, when a mechanical issue caused the rear tandem axle to catch fire shortly after 4 a.m., according to FHP.
Despite Ahmed trying to put the fire out, it spread throughout the semi.
The fire was finally extinguished with the assistance of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
FHP said the semi was carrying "5,000 pounds of new, but empty, Bang energy drink cans labeled for purple guava pear and peach mango flavors."
All the southbound lanes of I-75 reopened at 8:15 a.m., according to FHP.
