Fast Action Prevents Asphalt Fire

TUPELO, Miss) WCBI -Quick thinking by a Tupelo Police officer may have prevented a tragedy on the highway.

It was around 6 this morning when a Tupelo patrol officer noticed smoke coming from this 18 wheeler tanker full of asphalt.

The officer stopped the tanker truck, which was in the process of overheating.  The truck was stopped on the off ramp from Highway 78 East  to US 45 South Tupelo Fire Department responded to monitor the situation.

Eventually, the tanker was moved to the shoulder as the driver, and fire department waited for a tanker to come and off load the asphalt.

Officials say there was never a fire and luckily, no one was hurt.    Traffic is moving on the ramp but at a reduced speed.