Semi trailer catches fire shutting down traffic for hours on Florida Turnpike, troopers say

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - A driver of a semi-tractor trailer was traveling southbound on the Florida Turnpike in Osceola County when the trailer caught fire, causing traffic backups early Monday.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly after 5 a.m. near the Canoe Creek Road mile marker in Saint Cloud.

When the fire broke out, troopers said it caused the vehicle's tire to blow out as well. FHP said the driver was able to pull over and separate the truck from the trailer.

Osceola County Fire responded to the area and put out the fire. Troopers said the forklifts and batteries that were inside the trailer were destroyed in the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Southbound lanes were blocked as a crew worked to clean up the area.

The driver was not hurt in the incident.