Gary, IN — A Love’s travel stop in Indiana is closed indefinitely after sustaining extensive damage due to a fire Thursday that completely destroyed the adjacent Denny’s restaurant.
Officials said all hell broke out around 10:40 a.m. at Love’s at 5225 West 26th Avenue in Gary, IN, located off Exit 6 of I-80/94.
Flames and billows of smoke rising from the building could be seen for miles as crews battled the blaze.
Due to the fire’s proximity to the truck stop fuel pumps, there was an increased level of concern for safety.
The Gary Police Department (GPD) took to social media shortly after the fire was reported to urge commuters to avoid the Grant Street area between the freeway and 35th Avenue.
“Please keep the area clear of emergency vehicles. Do not come to the area or property to sightsee or take photos!” GPD implored.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
CBS2 Chicago reported GPD called in additional crews from neighboring departments to help put out the fire.
CBS2 Chicago reporter Shardaa Gray posted footage on social media saying security told her “no one was inside” the burning building.
wow! Smoke can be seen from I-80. A Love’s Travel Stop store in Gary, Indiana which also contains a Denny’s restaurant caught fire this morning. Flames leapt from the roof. Security on sight told me no one was inside. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/sHm9VOpzcH
— Shardaa Gray (@ShardaaGrayTV) February 10, 2022
Investigators have yet to say what caused the fire.
Meanwhile, a statement from Love’s released on Thursday afternoon informed customers that the truck stop is ‘closed indefinitely due to fire damage’.
Love’s 417 in Gary, Indiana is closed indefinitely due to fire damage it sustained today. We are grateful to all team members and customers for leaving the building safely.
Our teams in surrounding communities are ready to serve customers affected by this closure.
– Love Travel Stops (@LovesTravelStop) February 10, 2022
“We are grateful to all team members and customers for leaving the building safely,” Love’s said. “Our teams in surrounding communities are ready to serve customers affected by this closure.”
LOOK more of the scene below.
TransportNation.com will continue to monitor the story.
