Tractor Trailer crash and fire causes problems on I-81

WSLS News Staff
Published: July 17, 2008

Upated 10:05 p.m.

According to VDOT all lanes are now open on Interstate 81.

Upated 6:18 p.m.

By Ashley Roberts

A charred mess. That’s what’s left of a tractor trailer that police say rear-ended another big rig.

It happened just before noon on Interstate 81 northbound near the Pulaski and Wythe County line.

When we arrived on the scene firefighters had the fire under control, but when they and rescue crews first got there it was a different story. 

“The flames were probably to the tops of the trees if not at least ten foot taller than the trees along the interstate,” said Cody Jackson with the Lead Mine Rescue Squad.

According to state police, Dushan Palaic of Ohio was driving a white tractor trailer when his tire blew out and he slowed down.

That’s when police say James Duff of North Carolina, who was also driving a big rig, slammed into Palaic from behind.

Police think the impact of the crash caused the fire.

Amazingly, Duff made it out alive. “Bystanders got here right after the wreck and from what I understand they pulled the windshield off the truck and pulled him out,” said Jackson. 

Firefighters were left at the scene to put out the flames, which turned out to be a tough job since Duff’s trailer was full of clothes.

“Just where the clothes are packed in so tight and they’re smoldering it’s hard to get the water to the flames,” said Jason Morris of the Max Meadows Volunteer Fire Department.

Not far behind firefighters, others worked to remove hydraulic oil that spilled from the truck’s diesel tanks. “The tanks were ruptured and the fuel was burning down the side of the pavement,” said Chief Dalford Phillips of the Draper Volunteer Fire Department. 

They also placed white sheets on the pavement to absorb the fuel to make it safe for drivers. “It would be about the equivalent of driving on ice,” said Morris. “You would not be able to drive on it.”

As for the drivers of the tractor trailers both were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

James duff of North Carolina was behind the wheel of the truck that caught on fire. He’s charged with following too closely.

As last check, the right lane on interstate 81 was still closed.

Crews predict it will be at least a couple of hours until both are opened back up to drivers.

---------

Updated 4:00 p.m.

Updated 3:15 p.m.

State Police say a tractor trailer had a blowout, and was driving slow.  Then another tractor trailer hit the first one from behind, sparking a fire.

Troopers tell us it took about 30 minutes for firefighters to get the flames under control.  It was carrying clothes.

Both drivers are not seriously hurt.

It may take until this evening before both lanes of I-81 northbound are re-opened.

---------

Original story posted 11:48 a.m.

VDOT says a tractor trailer crash has blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 81, near the Wythe County/Pulaski County line.

Traffic being detoured at Exit 86, before the Pulaski Co. line.