NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS — A massive semi-truck fire erupted Thursday afternoon on the northbound lanes of the Tri-State Tollway, causing widespread disruption and prompting an extensive emergency response, according to Illinois State Police. The incident led to the closure of most northbound lanes for several hours as firefighters battled intense flames and officials worked to clear the scene.

The fire broke out shortly after 2 p.m. near the Willow Road exit, where witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing across the highway. Motorists traveling along the corridor were forced to a sudden stop as flames engulfed the semi, creating a dangerous and chaotic situation. Several drivers pulled over to the shoulder, while others exited their vehicles to seek safety from the growing blaze.

Emergency crews from multiple nearby departments responded swiftly, bringing several fire engines and tankers to the scene. Firefighters worked in challenging conditions, as the flames spread rapidly due to the truck’s large fuel load and cargo materials. Authorities reported that the intense heat made it difficult to approach the vehicle at first, forcing responders to attack the fire from a distance before closing in to extinguish it completely.

According to state police, the driver of the semi managed to escape before the truck was fully engulfed. The individual was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation, suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns. No other injuries were immediately reported, though several drivers experienced distress and delays as they waited for traffic to resume.

The tollway quickly became gridlocked, with traffic backed up for several miles as state troopers diverted vehicles off the highway. Officials urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes, including I-290 and I-355, while cleanup and investigation continued. Commuters faced hours-long delays, and tow trucks were dispatched to remove stranded vehicles from the scene.

Fire officials said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Early reports suggested that a mechanical issue or a possible tire failure might have sparked the fire, though authorities have not confirmed any specific cause. The truck was hauling commercial goods, and investigators are working with the company to determine whether the cargo contributed to the intensity of the flames.

Environmental crews were also called in to handle potential fuel spills resulting from the fire. Hazmat teams inspected the roadway and nearby drainage systems to ensure that no hazardous materials had leaked into the environment. The Illinois Department of Transportation assisted in assessing pavement damage caused by the high heat.

By late afternoon, firefighters had successfully extinguished the blaze, but the affected section of the tollway remained closed well into the evening as cleanup operations continued. Heavy equipment was brought in to remove debris and charred remains of the semi-truck, while investigators documented the scene for their final report.

Motorists who witnessed the incident described it as a frightening experience. Some reported hearing explosions before seeing flames shoot up from the truck’s rear section. “It looked like the whole trailer just went up in seconds,” one driver said. “People were honking and trying to get away — it was terrifying.”

Authorities commended the quick response of emergency personnel, crediting their coordination for preventing further harm. They reminded drivers to remain cautious and alert on highways, especially around large commercial vehicles. As of Thursday night, all but one lane of the Tri-State Tollway had reopened, though officials warned that residual delays could continue into the following morning.