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Semi carrying energy drink cans catches fire, shuts down SB I-75 for several hours in Hillsborough Co.

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TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol closed southbound I-75 in Hillsborough County for several hours after a semi-truck caught fire early Thursday morning.

Emmen Ahmed, 45 of Virginia, was driving a 2012 Volvo semi-truck southbound on I-75, north of Fletcher Avenue, when a mechanical issue caused the rear tandem axle to catch fire shortly after 4 a.m., according to FHP.

Despite Ahmed trying to put the fire out, it spread throughout the semi.

The fire was finally extinguished with the assistance of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

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FHP said the semi was carrying "5,000 pounds of new, but empty, Bang energy drink cans labeled for purple guava pear and peach mango flavors."

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All the southbound lanes of I-75 reopened at 8:15 a.m., according to FHP.