Update:  One Southbound lane is now open but traffic in the area is very slow.  Please avoid it if possible.

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The southbound lanes of Interstate 35 in Kansas City’s downtown loop are closed after a fiery accident involving a tractor-trailer truck.

The truck overturned and erupted in flames about 7 a.m. Tuesday near the Cambridge Circle exit. The interstate is expected to be closed for several hours while the scene is investigated and repaired.

Missouri transportation officials say the tractor-trailer was hauling heavy rock and some of the rock was thrown out of the vehicle. The driver was taken to the hospital. The extent of his injuries was not immediately known.

The northbound lanes were briefly closed to pick up debris but those lanes are now open.