Trailer carrying fireworks ignites in spectacular display on Tennessee highway

Cellphone video captured a spectacular, pre-Fourth of July display of fireworks on a Tennessee highway Saturday evening as a trailer carrying the incendiary haul erupted, authorities said.

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First responders racing to a reported vehicle fire on northbound Interstate 75 in the community of Ooltewah found a stopped work truck hauling a box trailer that was ablaze and popping with pyrotechnics, fire officials said.

“The trailer was full of fireworks, all of which became involved in the fire and exploded during the incident,” the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department said in a statement.

It added in a Facebook video that fireworks “were going off in different directions, endangering drivers.”

Cellphone video shows fireworks rocketing spectacularly from the trailer as dark smoke spiraled into the sky.

Authorities shut down the highway, roughly 25 miles east of Chattanooga, as a precaution and to allow first responders to get through traffic, the Tri-Community department said.

Chattanooga city crews assisted, the Tri-Community department said.

The cause of the fire was not immediately available, and no injuries were reported. The roadway eventually reopened after cleanup was completed, the Tri-Community department said.

It wasn’t clear where the haul was headed. Consumer fireworks are generally legal in Tennessee, though local governments may prohibit them. Public fireworks productions require a display permit, according to state rules.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, which covers the area of the fire, states “the safe discharge of fireworks” is allowed but may be prohibited by individual cities.