Tractor‑Trailer Erupts in Fierce Blaze on I‑91 in Rocky Hill
On Monday, June 7, 2025, emergency responders faced a dramatic scene when a tractor‑trailer ignited into a full-blown inferno on Interstate 91 southbound near Exit 23 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The fire, reported just before 9:30 p.m., triggered an immediate shutdown of the highway’s southbound lanes as flames consumed both the cab and its sizable refrigerated trailer.
Swift Action Avoids Major Injuries
According to Rocky Hill Deputy Fire Chief Brian Stevens, the driver had already evacuated the rig by the time firefighters arrived. Remarkably, only one firefighter sustained minor injuries, treated promptly at the scene. State police confirmed there was no preceding collision, and that the blaze was isolated to the vehicle and its trailer.
Fire Crews Overcome Intensity with Specialized Tactics
Firefighters found the tractor-trailer “fully involved,” with flames engulfing both cab and trailer. To combat the intense blaze, crews deployed an “encapsulator agent”—a firefighting foam designed to smother and cool large-scale fires. Mutual aid arrived from neighboring towns, boosting water supply and manpower. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) also responded to provide environmental protection support.
Highway Reopens After Lengthy Containment Effort
Crews worked diligently until approximately 11:40 p.m., clearing the site and ensuring the fire was fully extinguished. State transportation officials later confirmed that southbound lanes reopened shortly afterward, restoring normal traffic patterns.
Investigation Ongoing; Cargo Remains Secure
The refrigerated trailer was hauling perishable food items, all of which remained intact despite the blaze. Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the fire’s origin, though they confirmed the driver was unharmed and no additional property was damaged.
A potentially devastating incident on I‑91 south in Rocky Hill, Connecticut was met with swift and coordinated emergency response. Thanks to quick evacuation, professional firefighting tactics, and interagency cooperation, injuries were kept minimal and environmental impact contained. The roadway is now open, and the investigation into the fire’s cause continues.