MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Late Thursday night, a massive fire broke out on I-55 near the Valero Memphis refinery in South Memphis when a tanker truck filled with more than 8,000 gallons of gasoline crashed with another car.
The vehicle fire occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, and flames quickly grew out of control, reaching as high as the interstate overpass. Officials said an 18-wheeler had been involved in a crash, causing it to overturn.
35 fire vehicles made the scene along with 93 personnel to battle the fire overnight, working to put the fire out and to prevent it from spreading toward the nearby Valero refinery.
Fire officials said they had the fire under control just after 11 p.m. No civilians or firefighters were injured. The total damage caused is currently unknown.
News of the fire has prompted several questions on social media about what's known and still unknown, so we're verifying the facts.
Claim: the fire occurred at the Valero facility
Verdict:
Source:
- Memphis Fire Department
- Memphis Police Department
According to Memphis Fire Department officials, the fire broke out around 9:24 p.m. on I-55 Southbound near the Mallory Ave. exit, immediately next to the Valero Memphis Refinery but not on property.
According to MFD officials, the fire came under control around 11 p.m., not spreading to nearby property.
Claim: A car being chased by police hit a Tennessee State Trooper at the I-55 barricade
Verdict:
Source:
- Memphis Police Department
- Tennessee Highway Patrol
Memphis police officers were on the scene of the fire when a car ran the barricade on I-55.
MPD officials said the suspect passed through the blockade just before midnight, heading north on I-55 and nearly hitting a state trooper head on. The driver ignored officers' attempts to stop him and a chase began.
A spokesperson with the Tennessee High Patrol said the suspect did not hit the state trooper or a patrol vehicle. Troopers pursued the suspect briefly before allowing MPD to take over the situation.
Officers finally stopped the suspect at South Parkway East and Humber Street, two exits down from the fire scene. The suspect refused to exit his vehicle and officers forced him onto the ground, where the man continued to struggle officers. Eventually, he was taken into custody.
Claim: I-55 at Mallory is back open as of Friday morning
Verdict:
Source:
- Memphis Police Department
All lanes of traffic on I-55 at the Mallory Ave. exit were shut down as firefighters battled the blaze.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, the highway was back open, and TDOT cameras in the area showed traffic flowing freely.
