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Semi carrying lithium batteries catches fire on I-65

By Will Hager
Published  July 2, 2025 8:23am CDT
Indiana
FOX 32 Chicago
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Photos from ISP Sgt. Glen Fifield

The Brief

    • A semi-truck caught fire after hitting a large object on I-65 in northwest Indiana Wednesday morning. 
    • The truck was carrying computers with lithium batteries, which reignited during cleanup, but no injuries were reported. 
    • All lanes were closed due to fire damage, and drivers were advised to take U.S. Route 41 as a detour.

RENSSELEAR, Ind. - A semi crashed into an object on the road and caught fire on Interstate 65, diverting traffic Wednesday morning in northwest Indiana.

I-65 semi crash

What we know:

Indiana State Police said just before 7 a.m., a semi in the southbound lanes of I-65 struck a "large object" in the road and caught on fire roughly six miles south of the Rensselaer exit. There were no reported injuries in the crash.

The semi was hauling computers with lithium batteries that kept reigniting as crews were trying to clean up the scene, police said.

All lanes were blocked, and the interstate asphalt was damaged during the crash. 

What you can do:

Traffic will be diverted at either the 215 mile marker or the 220 mile marker. Police suggested drivers take U.S. Route 41 as an alternative to avoid backups.

The Source: The information in this report came from Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield.

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