A Dodge truck burns at the turnoff of the Quincy Lookout on U.S. 41 in Hancock Wednesday afternoon, as firefighters ensure the flames have been extinguished. (Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette)

HANCOCK — A vehicle fire on Quincy Hill backed up traffic on U.S. 41 Wednesday afternoon, and created plumes of black and gray smoke that were visible for several miles.

Hancock City Police Officer Darick Coponen said as the driver of the vehicle was proceeding north on U.S. 41, the gas tank straps broke, allowing the fuel tank to fall to the ground, creating sparks, which ignited the vehicle.

“The driver was able to get the vehicle off the highway onto the turn-around,” Coponen said.

Coponen said there no injuries in the mishap.

Hancock Police were assisted by the Franklin Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.