Tanker fire shuts down I-15 near Scipio

SCIPIO, Millard County — Thirteen fire agencies were called to help put out a gasoline tanker fire Sunday night that shut down I-15 for more than three hours.

Just after 7:30 p.m., the pup trailer of a tanker hauling 5,000 gallons of gasoline rolled and exploded. The cause of the accident was still under investigation Monday, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. The accident happened on southbound I-15 between Nephi and Scipio.

Crews from Utah, Juab, Millard and Sanpete counties were called to the scene to assist, as well as firefighters from Mona, Scipio and even officials from Utah State Parks and Utah Fish and Game. The fire was knocked down by 9:30 p.m.

The UHP reported the main tanker — hauling an additional 7,000 gallons of gas — did not catch fire except for the tires. The freeway was reopened about 11 p.m.

The driver of the tanker was not injured. He was driving for Edwards Petroleum Transport of Las Vegas.

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