A truck towing a tanker carrying 8,300 gallons of diesel fuel caught fire early this morning on Hawaii County’s Highway 19 near Ookala, but firefighters were able to control it before the flames affected the cargo.

The truck caught fire at 3:34 a.m. near the 32 mile marker. The cab was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived and brought the fire under control at 3:55 a.m.

The cab of the truck was destroyed. The driver escaped without injuries. Damage is estimated at $40,000.

The trailer with the tanker and its contents of diesel fuel were not damaged. Firefighters shot water over the tanker to cool it.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Police closed the highway while firefighters put out the truck fire. Police opened one lane and alternated traffic around the truck at about 5 a.m. until the truck was removed.