A cause is still being determined following a semi-truck fire Tuesday night near Highway 17 in North Delta.
Thick black clouds of smoke could be seen from kilometres away as Delta police and Delta fire made their way to the scene of the accident just after 6 p.m.
According to Delta police public affairs coordinator Sharlene Brooks, the semi-truck was stopped at a red light on the Highway 91 connector preparing to make a westbound turn onto Highway 17 when the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine.
“The driver exited the truck to investigate the source and then the cab suddenly became engulfed in flames,” said Brooks. “The driver called 911 and a passerby stopped and attempted to assist in putting the fire out with an extinguisher, but was not able too as it was fully engulfed.”
The truck was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. Police closed several lanes to traffic in order to deal with the fire and tow the trailer from the area.
Delta fire responded with two fire apparatus and seven firefighters.
Deputy Chief Paul Scholfield said the fire was somewhat difficult as the crews had a significant fire and had to also deal with leaking diesel fuel while fighting the blaze.
“There wasn’t a concern of fire spread to nearby grass, but the crews did have to work quickly to contain the diesel runoff before it entered the nearby ditches buy using absorbent materials,” said Scholfield.
