Seven Volkswagen Jettas Damaged After Semi Catches Fire on I-95 | News

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- A semi caught fire on Interstate 95 south near S.R. 16 and the outside southbound lane will be closed through noon as a result.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Western Star semi truck driver, who is from Kissimmee, was traveling southbound on I-95 in the right lane just before S.R. 16 at 2:12 a.m. when he noticed the right rear brake assembly of the car hauler trailer had ignited.

The driver, 49-year-old Marcial Rodriguez, pulled over and attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. The fire spread to vehicles on the trailer. Seven of the new Volkwagen Jettas the semi was carrying went up in flames.

Firefighters were able to put the fire out. Fortunately, the driver was not injured. The damage was valued at approximately $140,000.

One southbound lane was closed due to the instability of the trailer. The inside lane will be closed until approximately noon while crews work to remove the trailer from the scene.