Piketon, OH – Late on June 23, 2024, a significant fire involving a semi truck disrupted traffic and raised safety concerns for a bridge on US 23. The Piketon Seal Township Fire Department was dispatched to the scene near the intersection of US 23 and SR 32 at approximately 11:56 PM.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the semi truck fully engulfed in flames in the eastbound lane of SR 32, directly beneath the US 23 southbound bridge. The fire’s intensity caused flames to wrap around the bridge, making them visible from US 23 and leading to a dramatic scene of billowing smoke.
With assistance from the Waverly Fire Department, fire units launched an aggressive attack to cool the bridge and prevent further damage. The dense smoke trapped under the bridge severely reduced visibility, complicating efforts to assess the structure’s integrity until the flames were brought under control.
Given the extreme heat’s impact on the bridge’s steel underside, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) was contacted to evaluate the bridge’s safety. As a precaution, US 23 southbound was temporarily closed until the bridge’s integrity could be confirmed. Following thorough inspections, both US 23 and SR 32 have since been reopened to traffic.
The firefighting effort, which involved nearly 6,000 gallons of water, lasted almost four hours before the blaze was fully contained.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Waverly Fire Department, Piketon Police, Portsmouth Ambulance, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Pike County EMA, and the Ohio Department of Transportation for their dedication and service at the scene,” said a representative from the Piketon Seal Township Fire Department.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
