Circus camels and zebras rescued on I-69 after vehicle fire

GRANT COUNTY, Ind. – A fire involving a semi-tractor-trailer hauling camels and zebras closed both northbound lanes of Interstate 69 near Marion early Saturday morning.

According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the fire started around 2 a.m. at MM 263 near the State Road 18 interchange. The Indiana Department of Transportation reported exotic animals on the highway at the time of the fire. Authorities shutdown the highway to help cleanup and get the animals to safety.

According to police reports, an officer observed a cab of a 2012 Volvo semi-truck and trailer was engulfed in flames. The officer was able to find the driver to help him make a safe exit from the vehicle. The officer then learned that the trailer was loaded with animals from Shrine Circus.

The animals included: camels, zebras, and one miniature horse.

Upon ensuring safety of all animals and individuals on scene, crews proceeded to clean the scene. Lanes were open around 6:30 a.m.

No harm came to the animals, according to police.

INDOT was estimating the northbound lanes to be closed for at least the next five hours. Traffic was being diverted onto State Road 22, about five miles south of the incident.

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.