Fiery Chaos on I-84: Vehicle Blaze Shuts Down Westbound Lanes Near Troutdale

Commuters heading westbound on Interstate 84 near Troutdale faced a harrowing ordeal and significant delays on Friday morning, as a vehicle erupted in flames, forcing the complete closure of all westbound lanes. The dramatic incident, reported just before 11:30 a.m., sent plumes of thick, dark smoke billowing into the sky, creating a scene of fiery chaos that brought traffic to an immediate halt.

The fiery spectacle unfolded near the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials quickly implemented a full closure of I-84 westbound at Exit 18, near the State Park. This critical closure was essential to allow fire crews to safely battle the intense blaze and prevent any further danger to passing motorists.

The impact on traffic was instantaneous and severe.

Drivers found themselves trapped in rapidly growing backups stretching for miles, with many left with no option but to seek alternate routes or brace for extensive delays. ODOT promptly issued advisories, urging travelers to avoid the area if possible and to plan for significant disruptions throughout the day.

While the cause of the vehicle fire was not immediately disclosed, the focus remained squarely on the rapid response of firefighters working diligently to extinguish the inferno.

Their efforts were crucial in containing the situation and preventing the fire from spreading, ensuring the safety of both responders and the surrounding environment.

Though the immediate danger was eventually brought under control and the lanes subsequently reopened, the aftermath of the incident continued to affect traffic flow for several hours.

The incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of highway travel and the vital role of emergency services in keeping our roads safe. Motorists were advised to continue exercising caution and patience as congestion slowly eased back to normal conditions.