ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A section of Interstate 81 in Rockingham County has been closed in both directions due to a tractor-trailer catching fire.
Around 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, state troopers were called to I-81 near the 251 exit ramp in the area of Meadowbrook for a vehicle fire and hazmat situation.
According to police, the tractor-trailer was headed northbound on I-81 when it suffered a mechanical issue and caught fire. The driver was not injured during the incident.
“Both sides of the Interstate are closed for precaution,” said a spokesperson with Virginia State Police. “VDOT is on the scene and assisting with the roadway closure and detour.”
According to VDOT, there was a four-mile-long backup as a result. The closures are expected to last into the afternoon.
This is a developing story, check back with 8News for updates.
