JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A vehicle fire at mile marker 18 on I-26 eastbound closed both lanes earlier Monday, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
TDOT first reported the incident at 1:18 p.m., according to the SmartWay map. As of 2:30 p.m., the scene was cleared.
A spokesperson with the Johnson City Police Department told News Channel 11 that the fire was likely caused by a mechanical or electrical issue. Police also report there were no injuries.
According to police, the interstate was shut down briefly, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) responded quickly to the scene.
A tweet from the THP states that a trooper was on patrol when they saw the burning vehicle. The THP also confirmed in the tweet that no injuries occurred as a result.
The THP provided a report to News Channel 11 that states the driver was heading east when the check engine light came on and flames began engulfing the vehicle, an Audi A6. The driver immediately pulled over and escaped the vehicle, which “sustained total damage,” according to the report.
