Bluegrass Parkway reopens after fiery semi-truck crash shuts down lanes in Hardin County

HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Traffic is moving again along the Bluegrass Parkway after an overnight crash involving two semi-trucks forced a lengthy closure in Hardin County.

According to Kentucky State Police Post 4, all eastbound and westbound lanes reopened around 6:30 a.m. EST. Troopers say traffic is now flowing normally and are reminding drivers to stay alert while traveling through the area.

What happened overnight

State police say the fiery collision happened around 9:30 p.m. near mile marker 7.

Investigators say the driver of one semi was allegedly attempting an illegal U-turn from the eastbound lanes using an emergency turnaround when a second tractor-trailer collided with it. The impact caused one truck to catch fire, destroying the vehicle, while the second truck overturned in the westbound lanes — shutting down the parkway in both directions for hours.

Troopers say the driver of the first semi was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, while the second driver was not hurt.

Crews worked overnight to clear the wreckage and reopen the roadway. During the closure, traffic was diverted at Exit 10.