Discarded cigarette ignites truck carrying hay on I-40
A pickup truck hauling hay on Interstate 40 Monday evening burst into flames near the Wake County/Johnston County line, according to the state Highway Patrol.
Posted — UpdatedA discarded cigarette is being blamed for the fire.
All eastbound lanes were closed for about two hours at mile marker 308 near Garner, causing major traffic delays in the area. All lanes reopened around 9 p.m.
Vehicles were backed up for at least 3 miles at one point.
No one was injured.
Garner fire Capt. Bud Davenport said the blaze burnt through 108 bales of hay.
"The fire was intense," he said. "Someone threw a cigarette (and) flicked it to a trailer."
Witness reported seeing someone discard the cigarette from a passing car.
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