**BREAKING: FRY-astrophe Unfolds on Maine Highway as Inferno Engulfs Tractor-Trailer**
In a bizarre incident that has left residents of Maine scratching their heads, a tractor-trailer carrying a massive load of curly fries burst into flames on a rural highway yesterday evening, sending a giant plume of smoke and crispy chaos into the air.
The drama unfolded on Route 1, where the truck, driven by 32-year-old Bubba Jenkins of Bangor, suddenly sputtered to a halt as flames began licking at the cargo hold. Witnesses described the scene as “surreal” and “utterly ridiculous” as the truck’s load of curly fries, bound for a popular fast food joint in Portland, went up in a blaze of golden-brown glory.
“It was like something out of a cartoon,” said local resident, Agnes Pocket, who witnessed the inferno. “I mean, who expects to see a giant fireball of fries on the side of the road? I half expected to see a giant french fry-shaped UFO landing on the scene!”
Miraculously, no one was injured in the blaze, but the loss of the curly fries is estimated to be in the tens of thousands – or at least, that’s what the driver, Bubba, claimed. “I’m devastated,” he said, shaking his head. “Those were some top-notch fries. I mean, they were organic, gluten-free, and hand-cooked to a crispy perfection. I’m talking ‘Frites-of-the-God’ quality here.”
The Maine State Police and Fire Department responded quickly to the scene, but their valiant efforts were unable to save the cargo. “It was like trying to put out a grease fire at a deep-fryer,” said Fire Chief, Larry McSnodgrass. “We did our best, but… well, let’s just say it was a ‘fry-astrophe’ of epic proportions.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but rumors are circulating that a faulty wiring system and a can of hairspray might have been to blame. As one witty bystander quipped, “Well, at least it wasn’t a ‘hash-brown’ disaster… this time!”
In related news, local restaurants are bracing for a potential shortage of curly fries, while shares of potato-based products have taken a hit. Meanwhile, residents are advised to be on the lookout for any stray, crispy snacks wandering the streets.
