Traffic & Road Closures

Eastbound I-435 lanes reopen after truck hauling meat caught fire in Johnson County

Drivers are urged to avoid eastbound Interstate 435 in Overland Park after a semi fire has blocked several lanes of the highway. The fire was reported shortly after 1 a.m., according to Kansas City Scout. Overland Park police drivers to find a different route for their morning commute and errands.
Drivers are urged to avoid eastbound Interstate 435 in Overland Park after a semi fire has blocked several lanes of the highway. The fire was reported shortly after 1 a.m., according to Kansas City Scout. Overland Park police drivers to find a different route for their morning commute and errands. Kansas City Scout

All lanes of eastbound Interstate 435 in Overland have reopened after a tractor-trailer hauling meat caught fire early Tuesday, blocking several lanes, a police spokesman said.

The semi was headed east on I-435 shortly after 1 a.m. when it experienced a malfunction and the trailer caught fire, said Officer John Lacy with the Overland Park Police Department. No injuries were reported.

The semi and debris from the fire blocked several lanes, prompting police to urge drivers to find another route for their morning commutes and errands.

“Three lanes are currently blocked,” Overland Park police said in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter. “As we approach the morning rush hour, motorists are encouraged to seek an alternate route to avoid delays.”

Firefighters responded to the fire shortly after 1 a.m. along eastbound I-435 between Quivira and U.S. 69. According to PulsePoint, an app that shows fire and medical calls, firefighters left the scene shortly before 6 a.m.

Kansas City Scout showed that two lanes remained closed as of 6:30 a.m. while crews worked to clear the highway.

All lanes of the heavily traveled highway have since reopened.

This story was originally published August 20, 2024 at 6:39 AM.

Robert A. Cronkleton
The Kansas City Star
Robert A. Cronkleton is a breaking news reporter for The Kansas City Star, covering crime, courts, transportation, weather and climate. He’s been at The Star for 36 years. His skills include multimedia and data reporting and video and audio editing. Support my work with a digital subscription
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