A semi carrying tens of thousands of pounds of lithium-ion batteries caught fire on Interstate 70 in Indiana on Thursday, according to WTHR-TV. The fire shut down both directions of one of the state’s busiest commercial corridors and created a difficult, hours-long response for emergency crews.
All lanes of I-70 near Greenfield were closed for a period as traffic backed up for miles in both directions. Officials said the semi was carrying roughly 32,000 pounds of lithium-ion batteries, cargo known for producing intense fires that can be far more difficult to extinguish than ordinary vehicle fires.
The driver reportedly pulled over after hearing what he believed may have been a mechanical issue with the truck. Instead, he soon discovered the trailer carrying the batteries was on fire.
Fortunately, the driver was not injured during the incident, and officials said no firefighters responding to the scene suffered injuries either.
What Happened on I-70
According to the Hancock County 911 Center and the Indiana Department of Transportation, the fire started shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21, on the eastbound side of I-70 near State Road 9 close to Greenfield exit 104 in Hancock County.
The semi was carrying roughly 32,000 pounds of lithium-ion batteries, according to fire officials. Eastbound lanes were shut down around 10 a.m., with westbound lanes later closing as crews worked to contain the fire.
New video from I-70 Greenfield semi fire. Reportedly containing lithium ion batteries. Eastbound still closed
📸: Hancock 911@FOX59 @WIBCTraffic @WISHNews8 @wrtv @WTHRcom @CBS4Indy pic.twitter.com/xDXXXdC95y
— Hancock County 911 (@HancockIN911) May 21, 2026
How the Driver Responded
Greenfield Fire Territory public information officer Luke Eichholtz said the driver pulled over after hearing something unusual coming from the truck. He initially believed he may have been dealing with a blown tire or another routine mechanical issue before realizing the cargo behind him was on fire.
Greenfield Fire Territory described the response as labor-intensive because of the materials being transported. Lithium-ion battery fires can burn extremely hot and often require large amounts of water and extended cooling efforts to fully contain.
Officials said dozens of emergency vehicles from multiple agencies responded to the scene as crews worked for hours to bring the fire under control.
The Fire Shut Down I-70 for Hours
The fire caused major traffic disruptions throughout much of the day as crews worked to contain the burning lithium-ion batteries. Westbound lanes reopened first, while eastbound traffic remained shut down for several more hours before fully reopening later Thursday afternoon.
Officials said the response required assistance from multiple agencies because of the size and complexity of the fire. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.