Semi-Tanker Fire Causes Six-Hour Shutdown of Highway 169 Near Ely
Fire officials figure about 350 gallons were spilled.
July 3, 2021
Photo: Morris-Hall Fire Chief Ted Krueger
ELY, Minn.- Minnesota Highway 169 was shut down for six and a half hours Sunday due to a fire involving a semi tanker truck pulling gas, according to the Northland FireWire.
According to a post on the FireWire’s Facebook page, the incident was reported around 2:15 p.m.
Morris-Fall Lake Fire Chief Ted Krueger told The Northland Fire Wire that the brakes of the truck caught fire and spread to the vehicle’s tires.
The truck driver was able to uncouple the burning vehicle from the tanker. The front of the tanker hit the ground, rupturing a pocket containing 3,400 gallons of gasoline.