Updated 12:51 pm: 60 E has the left lane now open, while the right lane remains blocked by the semi. Both westbound lanes of 60 are currently open. Traffic is still heavy in both directions.
At approximately 12:12 PM on Monday, December 23, 2024, Polk County Fire Rescue received a call regarding a vehicle fire near the intersection of 1st St. S. and Highway 60 E. in Lake Wales.
A semi pulling a trailer is blocking the right eastbound lane and was on fire. Lake Wales fire department is in the process of extinguishing that fire. At 12:36 PM, both sides of Highway 60 are shut down being blocked by the truck and the firetruck. No one was transported with injuries.
There is a significant backup of traffic in both directions approaching this intersection. Do not drive in this area until the roadways have been cleared.