A semi tractor trailer truck was engulfed in flames at 3:45 p.m. Thursday on Interstate 75 in the Oxford area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Mark Rubin, 52, of Port St. Lucie observed smoke emanating from the engine of his 2005 Peterbilt tractor trailer operated by Brenner Oil of Holland, Michigan while he was traveling southbound on I-75 near the 334 milepost.
He pulled to the shoulder and while inspecting the vehicle the semi-tractor caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins of Florida Highway Patrol.
Rubin retreated from the vehicle and was unharmed. Emergency workers responded to the scene, extinguished the blaze and cleared the scene.
Portions of southbound I-75 were closed for more than an hour as a result of the fire believed to be caused by a mechanical matter.
The tanker trailer containing petroleum products was not affected by the blaze, Gaskins said.