Tanker fire on turnpike at mile marker 88; shelter in place order lifted, detours noted

This story has been updated to include information on detours and lifted shelter-in-place orders.

FREMONT - Residents around mile marker 88 westbound on the Ohio Turnpike have been asked to evacuate or shelter in place because of a semi-tractor trailer tanker fire.

An emergency text message and phone alert from the Sandusky County Sheriff, was sent to residents of Rice Township asking they to shelter in place, but it was lifted around 6:15 p.m.

"Some have been evacuated and some are being told to shelter in place," Emergency Management Agency Director Lisa Keulling texted from the location west of Ohio 53.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and first responders are on scene at the commercial vehicle fire.

"No injuries have been reported. The scene is active with multiple fire departments on scene," Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Ryan Purpura said. "As of 6:32, the fire is out. One lane is open westbound with lanes restricted while the scene is cleared. All three lanes are open eastbound. The semi-tractor-trailer was carrying Organic Peroxide."

He said detours have been established. Westbound traffic is still being diverted off at toll plaza 91 (Fremont/state Route 53). Eastbound traffic was being diverted off of the turnpike at toll plaza 81 (Elmore-Woodville-Gibsonburg/state Route 51), but as of 6:11 p.m. the eastbound lanes were reopened.

Firetrucks are on the site. The fire started at about 4 p.m. today.

The location is about three miles west of Ohio 53.

This article has been updated and updates will continue as new information becomes available.

rlapointe@gannett.com

419-332-2674

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Tanker fire on turnpike at mile marker 88; shelter in place order lifted, detours noted