Burning vehicle blocks interstate near Columbia

A burning vehicle caused multiple lanes on a major interstate near downtown Columbia to be closed Monday, creating a traffic jam for drivers.

All of the southbound lanes on near Exit 2 on Interstate 77 were blocked, according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. That’s the junction with S.C. 35 in Cayce, near the Congaree River and the Lexington County and Richland County line.

Traffic cameras showed large plumes of smoke and flames coming from the back of a tractor trailer on the right shoulder of I-77.

Information about the cause of the fire was not available.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety did not report if there were any injuries.

Emergency responders could be seen near the burning vehicle, while several worked to extinguish the fire.

Vehicles were backed up at least two miles on I-77, traffic cameras showed.

There was no word on how long it would take to reopen all of the lanes and clear the scene, but drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. If not, they should expect delays.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.