Truck fire shuts down I-35

A tractor-trailer fire shut down southbound Interstate 35 in Kyle Monday as crews from Kyle Fire Department battled the blaze. Authorities shut down all three southbound lanes of the highway just before Exit 215 near the Kyle Home Depot at approximately 2:30 p.m. while they battled the blaze at the rear of a U.S. Express Enterprise 18-wheeler. Crews on the scene said the fire was blamed on mechanical failure. Thick black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky for several miles.Traffic on the northbound side was also moving slowly as drivers tried to glimpse the action. No injuries were reported, according to Kyle Fire Department officials on the scene.Two lanes reopened later in the day. At approximately 4:15 p.m., Battalion Chief Mike Vasil of the Kyle Fire Department said it would still be approximately two hours until all lanes reopened, creating delays through rush hour. (Photo by Kim Hilsenbeck)