Butler men escape injury in Iowa trailer fire

Two Butler men escaped injury this morning in a tractor trailer fire
that happened in Cass County Iowa

KJAN Radio of Atlanta, Iowa released information of a mechanical malfunction in Iowa this morning. 2 Butler men escaped injury when their tractor trailer owned by Paxton Trucking of Butler caught fire. Eric Hansen and Neal Greenwood both of Butler where involved in the following story released and written by KJAN Radio Station in Iowa:

A mechanical malfunction of some sort was to blame for a semi trailer fire early this (Thursday) morning on Interstate 80, in Cass County. Firefighters from Atlantic and Marne were called to the scene located on I-80 westbound at the 52 mile-marker, at about 5:49-a.m. Atlantic Firefighter Gene Schmelling told KJAN News a tire burned out on the trailer of the semi which was hauling lime. The flames spread to the rest of the trailer, causing a substantial amount of damage to the rear. The semi’s driver managed to separate the tractor from the trailer, and prevent further damage. Firefighters were on the scene for about an hour. No injuries were reported. The DOT reported the right lane of I-80 westbound was blocked for a little more than four-hours this morning, while crews worked to remove the damaged trailer and clean-up the mess. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon says the wreck was finally cleared by around 11:45-a.m.

Firefighter Gene Schmelling said it’s not clear how the fire began, but it was most likely caused by a blow-out, bad brakes or worn bearings.

-courtesy FM 92 the Bullet and KJAN, Atlanta Iowa