Trucker pulls over when semi catches ablaze

The driver of an 18-wheeler pulled off U.S. 49 near Gulfport on Monday after he realized his semi truck was ablaze, officials said.

The driver stopped at Mississippi 53.

“He was going down the road, south, and realized his truck had caught fire,” Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan said.

No injuries were reported and the truck wasn’t hauling a dangerous material, he said.

Traffic was delayed just after noon because of emergency response, and flames could be seen shooting from the engine of the truck.

A tow truck was on its way to remove the 18-wheeler by about 12:30 p.m.

Harrison County Fire Services and the Gulfport Fire Department worked together to put out the fire.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Trucker pulls over when semi catches ablaze."