A massive blaze engulfed a tractor trailer on Route 24 Northbound in Randolph early Thursday morning, causing chaos on the roads and sending black smoke billowing into the sky. The fire erupted near Exit 41, forcing officials to shut down the right lane and triggering significant delays.

Mass Department of Transportation issued a traffic advisory through a post on X, warning motorists about the fire and the subsequent closure. "Tractor trailer Vehicle Fire in #Randolph on RT-24 NB, at Exit 41. Right Lane remains CLOSED. Expect delays," the post read, highlighting the immediate impact on morning traffic. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and emergency crews were quick to respond to the scene to douse the flames and prevent further hazards.

 

Tractor trailer Vehicle Fire in #Randolph on RT-24 NB, at Exit 41. Right Lane remains CLOSED. Expect delays.

— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) May 24, 2024

 

The aftermath of the fire continued to pose problems for commuters throughout the morning, with traffic snarled for miles. By midday, clean-up crews were still working to remove the wreckage of the charred vehicle, which had been hauling a load of still-unidentified goods that also fell victim to the blaze. Images and videos from onlookers surfaced on social media, showing the intensity of the fire and the congestion it caused.

While details on the incident are forthcoming, there have been no immediate reports of injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer is believed to have exited the vehicle safely before the fire escalated. The impact on local businesses, some of which rely on timely deliveries and transportation along the route, has yet to be assessed. Meanwhile, authorities are urging drivers to seek alternate routes until the lane reopens and the remnants of the ordeal are cleared.