John Willoughby: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Thursday, Feb. 22, Madison Fire Rescue (MFR) was called to the scene of mile marker 262 on Interstate 10 westbound, just after 11 a.m., when a blown tire resulted in a fire.
The Indian Motorcycle Demo Tour hauler was en route to Tallahassee, from Ocala, for a bike show when the hauler experienced a blown tire on the passenger side of the trailer. According to MFR, the driver attempted to make it to the next exit before stopping to assess the blown tire. Another motorist apparently flagged down the driver after seeing the flames from the right side of the trailer.
According to a local resident, a Leon County fireman was traveling behind the trailer when he saw the tire explode. The driver of the truck was able to unhook his truck from the trailer, sparing the vehicle. Luckily, there were no injuries.
The trailer was carrying 15 motorcycles and damages resulted in an estimated $10,000 to $40,000 per bike. Assisting MFR were the Florida Highway Patrol and Greenville Volunteer Fire Department.
A portion of the right side of the trailer became engulfed in flames Thursday Feb. 22 on the side of Interstate 10 after a blown tire. The Indian Motorcycle Demo Tour hauler was en route to Tallahassee for a bike show. Thanks to the fast-acting response of first responders, the fire was put out, and there were no injuries reported.