MARION — A semi tractor-trailer transporting circus animals for Fort Wayne caught fire Saturday on Interstate 69 in northeastern Indiana

The tractor-trailer caught fire about 2 a.m. near mile marker 263 on I69 in Grant County.

An Indiana State Trooper, a Grant County Sheriff’s deputy and a third person rescued five zebras, four camels and a miniature horse by leading them off the smoked-filled trailer.

AP STYLE

Indiana State Trooper Edward Titus observed that the cab of a 2012 Volvo semi-truck and trailer was engulfed in flames.

Trooper Titus located the driver, who had safely exited the vehicle. The driver was identified to be Armando C. Alvarez, 57, from Sarasota, Florida.

Both officers were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and later released, but none the animals were injured.

All northbound lanes of I-69 were closed until about 6:30 a.m. once the area was cleaned up and the animals were taken away by another truck.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office posted photos and videos on Facebook of camels walking on the highway and later standing along its shoulder and its median with zebras and law enforcement officers. The posting included the message, “No harm to our furry friends.”