A truck on fire July 19, 2024, on U.S. 75. Photo by Rachel Price.
Update: The Osage County Sheriff’s Office has reported further details about this morning’s truck fire that closed U.S. Highway 75. A sheriff’s office press release said that at 7:02 a.m., a 911 call reported a fuel truck on fire at the 120.5 milepost on U.S. 75.
The release said a 2017 Peterbilt fuel truck was completely engulfed upon arrival of emergency responders. The truck had been hauling 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel. A tire blow out ruptured the tank, causing the fire. No injuries have been reported.
The highway was closed for the fire suppression efforts, and is expected to reopen around 11:30 a.m., the sheriff’s office reported.
A truck on fire has temporarily closed U.S. Highway 75 this morning, July 19, 2024. Around 8 a.m. the Kansas Department of Transportation advised drivers to use alternate routes to avoid the location between state Highway 278 and state Highway 31, near Melvern Lake.
The closure duration is unknown and KDOT provided no other details on the fire. There is no posted detour.
While on her way to work this morning, local reader Rachel Price captured these photos of the truck on fire before emergency services reached the site.
KDOT advised drivers to check KanDrive.gov for updates on the road closure.
Osage County Sheriff’s Office photo:
