BROOKINGS COUNTY — A driver escaped unharmed after his trailer-less semi-tractor burst into flames near Interstate 29 in the early morning hours of May 30.
The incident occurred at 12:45 a.m. at mile marker 140 on the southbound on-ramp of the Interstate 29 interchange with state Highway 30, north of Brookings. The fire caused an estimated $60,000 in damage, according to a news release from the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.
“The driver reported that he had been traveling near mile marker 142 in a 2016 Peterbilt semi tractor when he noticed a burning odor,” Assistant Sheriff Dave Biteler wrote. “After exiting the interstate to investigate, he observed the front end of the tractor glowing.”
Biteler said the driver — identified as Matthew Kuhlman of Hoxie, Kansas — was able to safely retrieve personal belongings from the cab and exit the vehicle before it became fully involved in fire.
“The ramp was temporarily closed to traffic to ensure public safety and allow fire crews to extinguish the blaze,” Biteler added.
Crews from the Brookings and White fire departments extinguished the blaze, and the ramp reopened after about 2.5 hours.
The fire’s cause is thought to be mechanical in nature, and no foul play is suspected.
Aurora Auto Body and Towing removed the damaged tractor from the scene.
— Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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