Tractor-trailer catches fire following collision, closes Bluegrass Parkway for several hours

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – A collision in Hardin County closed the Bluegrass Parkway for several hours.

According to a release, the Kentucky State Police responded to a two-vehicle collision Monday evening on the Bluegrass Parkway near the 7-mile marker.

KSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that two tractor-trailers were traveling eastbound. The first tractor-trailer, driven by 41-year-old Manual Ostos Paxtian, of Moss, Tennessee, attempted to make an illegal U-turn to turn around and travel westbound.

The second tractor-trailer, operated by 67-year-old Charles Penn, of Union Springs, Alabama, attempted to avoid the first tractor-trailer. Penn was unable to avoid the tractor-trailer and crashed into it.

KSP says one of the tractor-trailers caught fire and was destroyed.

The second tractor-trailer overturned in the westbound lanes.

Paxton sustained minor injuries.

Penn was not injured.

The collision closed all lanes of the Bluegrass Parkway.

All lanes reopened at approximately 5:30 am Tuesday.

The investigation is ongoing.