Van burns on I-65

JONESVILLE — A vehicle fire slowed northbound traffic along Interstate 65 just north of the Jackson-Bartholomew county line Sunday morning.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Donald Gregory said a motorist reported around 6 a.m. that a vehicle was on fire at the 60.5-mile marker. All occupants of the 1991 Dodge van were out of the vehicle and safe, the motorist reported.

The van was engulfed in flames as troopers arrived on the scene.

Jonesville Volunteer Fire Department firefighters were able to get the fire under control a short time after they arrived, Gregory said, although the van and its contents were reported to be a total loss.

Traffic was restricted on the interstate for about one hour until cleanup could be completed.

There had been 12 occupants in the van on their way back to Indianapolis when a noise was heard from the van. The driver, Kimberly Ayers, reported the van quickly filled with smoke after the noise was heard.

Other agencies assisting at the scene included Seymour Police Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance.