Several circus animals were rescued after a vehicle fire in Grant County. Photos provided by the Indiana State Police.

Press Release

MARION — Several circus animals were rescued following a vehicle fire on Saturday morning in Grant County.

Just after 2 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, Indiana State Police Trooper Edward Titus was patrolling I-69 near the 263 mile marker. While on patrol, Titus observed the cab of a 2012 Volvo semi-truck and trailer was engulfed in flames. Titus located the driver, who had safely exited the vehicle. The driver was identified as Armando C. Alvarez, 57, Sarasota, Fla.

While approaching the semi, Titus learned the trailer was loaded with animals from the Shrine Circus. Titus and Grant County Deputy Joshua Kennedy entered the trailer and were able to rescue the animals, Titus, Kennedy, and a member of the Shrine Circus rescued five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse. Additional officers on the scene were able to secure all the animals until other trucks from the Shrine Circus arrived.

After the fire was extinguished, crews began cleaning up the scene. All lanes were opened around 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. During the road closure, traffic was diverted from I-69 north at the 259 mile marker to SR 22. The preliminary crash investigation by Trooper James Wilkison revealed an equipment failure was the cause of the fire.

Titus and Kennedy were treated at a local hospital for smoke inhalation and later released without further injury. Alvarez and all animals were uninjured.

The Indiana State Police Peru Post was assisted by other members of the ISP Fort Wayne Post, ISP Pendleton Post, the Marion Police Department, Markle Police Department, Warren Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Upland Volunteer Fire Department, Matthews Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Department of Transportation, Losure’s Towing, and Marion Health.

The driver of the vehicle was also uninjured.