SEFFNER — Authorities closed both directions of Interstate 4 in east Hillsborough County Friday morning after a tanker truck caught fire.
The fire began about 10:30 a.m. near mile marker 9 in Seffner. The truck was carrying a chemical known as “Orange Essence,” according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Hillsborough County hazardous materials units were sent to fight the blaze. Flames engulfed the cab portion of the truck, but the trailer containing the chemicals was not damaged, state troopers said.
One person was treated for injuries, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. The fire was out at 11 a.m.
The westbound lanes of the highway were reopened at 11 a.m. The eastbound side remained closed.
Students at Burnett Middle and Brandon Alternative schools were being kept inside due to smoke from the blaze. The schools were not evacuated.
Drivers were being advised to avoid the area.
