MARION, Ind. (NEWSnet/AP) — A truck hauling zebras and camels for circus performances caught fire Saturday on an Indiana highway, prompting rescue of the animals, which roamed along the freeway, some munching on grass.

The tractor-trailer caught fire about 2 a.m. along Interstate 69 in Grant County. A state trooper, a Grant County Sheriff's deputy and a third person rescued the five zebras, four camels and a miniature horse, leading them from the smoked-filled trailer, said Sgt. Steven Glass at Indiana State Police.

Both officers were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and released. None the animals were injured, Glass said. The truck driver, a 57-year-old Sarasota, Florida, man, was not injured. Fire destroyed the truck.

Northbound lanes of I-69 were closed until about 6:30 a.m., after the area was cleaned and the animals were taken from the scene by another truck.

Grant County Sheriff's Office posted photos and videos on Facebook of camels walking on the highway and standing along its shoulder and median, with zebras and law enforcement officers. 

The truck was hauling the animals from Florida to Fort Wayne for four weekend circus performances to benefit Mizpah Shrine Circus, said Steve Trump, its circus director. It’s an annual fundraiser to help pay for upkeep of Shrine Center in Fort Wayne.

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.