Semi hauling classic cars catches fire on I-70 west of Topeka

McFARLAND Kan. (WIBW) - A semi-trailer hauling classic cars caught fire early Thursday on Interstate 70 in Wabaunsee County, authorities said.

The fire was reported around 7 a.m. on eastbound I-70 about a mile west of the McFarland exit. The location is about 25 miles west of Topeka.

Authorities said the trailer hauling the cars was fully involved in flames when first-arriving crews from the Wabaunsee County fire department arrived on the scene.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire, but not before extensive damage was done to the trailer and its contents.

The truck pulling the trailer had disconnected and driven forward about 50 yards to the east.

The truck and trailer both came to rest on the right shoulder of eastbound I-70.

Kansas Highway Patrol officials told 13 NEWS at the scene that the fire was believed to have started when brakes on the trailer became overheated.

Kansas Highway Patrol officials added that the trailer was carrying about six or seven collectors' cars, including Porsches and Chevrolet Corvettes.

Damaged cars could be seen through the open door at the back of the trailer. The cars appeared to be hauled on two levels inside the enclosed trailer.

Kansas Highway Patrol officials said some of the cars had extensive damage while others had smoke damage.

An estimated dollar loss wasn’t immediately available.

According to a logo on its side, the semi-trailer was from Horseless Carriage Antique & Classic Automobile Transportation out of Paterson, N.J.

Traffic on eastbound I-70 was shut down for about a half-hour as crews responded to the scene.

Motorists then were allowed to proceed through the area in the left eastbound lane on I-70.

Watch a Facebook Live report from the scene here.

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