Longview officials still on scene of big rig fire; Interstate 20 reclosed

LONGVIEW — Longview officials say they are still on the scene of the big rig fire on I-20, just west of Estes Parkway.

They had originally opened one lane of the interstate to clear backed up traffic that had been stalled since the early morning. That traffic as been cleared, and that portion of Interstate 20 is reclosed.

Traffic is being diverted down Hwy. 31 to Loop 281 in Longview.

KETK will continue to bring you updates on this story.

Longview officials have reopened one lane of traffic on the interstate following Tuesday morning's big rig fire.

Traffic is being diverted after an 18-wheeler carrying produce caught fire on Interstate 20 in Longview just after 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

The accident took place in the eastbound lanes, when the semi-truck hit a van that had been left on the side of the road earlier.

Longview Fire officials tell KETK that the owners of the van had walked to a nearby hotel after the van had broken down.

Fortunately, the driver of the 18-wheeler managed to get out of the truck before it was engulfed in flames.

Officials are directing all traffic down Hwy. 31 and Loop 271 back to the interstate.

Expect delays if you will be driving in the area.

The fire is out, but crews are still on scene putting out hot spots.

The incident is under investigation.

We will bring you more details as they come in.