Reports: Semi-truck catches fire, falls off interstate in Louisville
A fiery semi-truck crash has left several interstate lanes in Louisville closed, according to multiple media reports.
The crash on began Interstate 65 just south of the Kennedy Bridge, according to WAVE. The Louisville TV station reported the semi-truck went over the barrier, caught fire and fell onto the ramps for Interstate 64 East and Interstate 71 North.
The driver of the semi-truck jumped out of the cab while it was dangling from I-65, Louisville firefighter Donovan Sims told reporters at a press conference streamed by WLKY.
The driver suffered only minor injuries, said Mayor Craig Greenberg. The truck dangled off the road for a while, leading to photos that circulated widely on social media, before falling onto the ramps below.
“He was able to get out and get away from the semi-truck, and then the semi-truck came down just on the outside of I-64, I-71 North,” Sims said.
Several fire crews got on scene quickly and extinguished the fire in about 30 minutes, Sims said.
The trailer was empty when the crash occurred, according to Greenberg. The cause of the crash is unknown.
All lanes of southbound I-65 are closed, beginning at the Kennedy Bridge, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The Louisville Metro Police Department encouraged drivers on the road to use the Sherman Minton, Second Street or Lewis and Clark exits.
The Interstate 65 northbound ramp to I-64 West is also blocked off. The transportation cabinet said it’s unknown how long the roads will be closed.
This is the second time in about a month that a semi-truck has crashed on I-65 in Louisville. In early May, a driver was rescued from the cab of the truck after the wreck left the vehicle dangling from the overpass.
The city has contacted the transportation cabinet, which has jurisdiction over the road. Greenberg said he was in close contact with the cabinet after previous wrecks in the area and came up with some ideas to improve safety in that area.
In a series of posts on X, Greenberg said the cabinet is planning to add an epoxy surface treatment to this area and replace one of the road tattoos on the bridge
“As we all know, this general area has been an area where there have been other accidents over the last couple of months,” Greenberg said.
This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 12:13 PM.
