A tractor-trailer caught fire and exploded this afternoon on Ga. 53 near Tinsley Chapel Road west of downtown Dawsonville, Lt. Tony Wooten of the Dawson County Sheriff’s department said.

The truck left the roadway about 4:30 p.m., and Ga. 53 has been closed since that time as officials handle the wreck. Wooten did not know if there were any injuries.

Wooten said the Georgia State Patrol is handling the incident. Georgia State Patrol officials were not available for comment.