Big rig fire prompts closure of outbound lanes of I-45, cleanup still underway over 12 hours later

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Clean up after a big rig fire snarled the morning commute and the evening commute for drivers heading south on the Gulf Freeway on Thursday, according to Houston TranStar.

The fire was contained to the southbound main lanes of the freeway at Bay Area Boulevard. Officials said it was a tanker fuel fire that spread.

Drivers were directed into the mall's parking lot as law enforcement and fire crews began to arrive at the scene.

At 5 a.m., Houston TranStar cameras showed at least eight police cars covering the lanes as drivers exited.

Cellphone video sent to ABC13 from bystanders shows large flames shooting several feet into the air.

More than 12 hours after the fire was first reported, some lanes reopened, but several lanes remained closed as crews continued to clean up the aftermath.

It is unclear if there are any injuries at this time.

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