SAVANNAH, GEORGIA — A tractor-trailer caught fire and crashed into overhead highway signs on Interstate 16 eastbound near downtown Savannah Monday morning, forcing a full closure of the eastbound lanes and disrupting a major route into the city.

^{Photo credit: Savannah Fire Department}

Authorities said I-16 eastbound was shut down around 9 a.m. from Interstate 516 at the Lynes Parkway exit into downtown Savannah as Savannah Fire crews responded to heavy smoke and flames coming from the truck’s cab.

^{Photo credit: Savannah Fire Department}

“The first engine arrived on scene, there was heavy smoke and fire showing from the cab,” said Chief Todd Horne, the incident commander. “Our first priority was to make sure the driver was out of the cab. And he self extricated prior to us getting on scene.”

Officials said the driver was transported to Memorial Health with minor shoulder injuries.

^{Photo credit: Savannah Fire Department}

The crash also damaged overhead signage, and the Georgia Department of Transportation was working with contractors to remove debris and repair the damaged area before the roadway could reopen.

Update 10:18 a.m.: Reports from the scene indicated the tractor-trailer was the only vehicle involved, and the driver was being transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center for evaluation related to minor shoulder pain.

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