AMHERST TWP. — A minivan was completely destroyed in a fire that shut down the turnpike briefly this morning, according to the Highway Patrol.

Trooper Phil Ralston said the driver was eastbound at mile marker 137, which is between state Route 58 and Baumhart Road, about 8 a.m. when the Chevrolet Venture mini van, which was pulling a camper trailer caught on fire.

Another driver saw the flames and alerted the driver about the fire, and he was able to pull over, Ralston said.

The van became fully engulfed in flames, Ralston said, and is a total loss. The camper trailer had only minor damage. Ralston blamed the fire on a vehicle defect.

Firefighters from South Amherst and Florence Township responded.

Ralston said the eastbound lanes of the turnpike were completely closed for about 25 minutes, and one lane remained blocked for about an hour.