Burning vehicle causes traffic jam on major highway headed to Columbia
Drivers making the Monday morning commute toward Columbia were delayed by a burning vehicle that caused a traffic jam on a major highway.
All of the eastbound lanes on Interstate 26 were blocked by the vehicle fire near Exit 97, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. That’s the juncture with U.S. 176/Broad River Road, near the line between Richland and Lexington counties.
The fire was reported at about 8:50 a.m., according to the department of transportation.
Information about the cause of the fire, and if any other vehicles were involved, was not available.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety did not say if anyone was injured in the fire.
Traffic cameras showed vehicles backed up for at least 3 miles on I-26.
Traffic was also congested on the westbound side of I-26, but no lanes were closed, according to the Department of Transportation.
A detour is being setup to divert vehicles away from the traffic jam, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
“Please use caution if driving in that area or seek an alternate route,” the Highway Patrol said.
Information about how long it will take to reopen the lanes and clear the scene at the fire was not available.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published August 7, 2023 at 9:29 AM.
