Connecticut highway in flames: Gasoline truck explosion cripples traffic, closes I-95
I-95, the primary north-south highway along the East Coast, was shut down as a result of a fiery accident involving a car, a tractor-trailer, and a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons (about 32,000 litres) of gasoline. A gasoline truck that was travelling on I-95 erupted in flames in a horrific explosion, causing massive damage and forcing a complete closure of the highway in both directions. The fire, which sent flames and black smoke billowing into the air, destroyed the truck and damaged nearby properties.
Connecticut highway in flames: Gasoline truck explosion causes major damage, closes I-95
Gas truck explodes on I-95 in Connecticut
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont assured that no major injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, the massive fire has wreaked havoc on traffic. Firefighters raced to the scene to put out the flames and assess the damage from the crash, which shut down the highway and raised questions about safety and the potential effects on the surrounding.
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The alert issued warning to drivers, passengers, truckers, and anyone else who uses the route on a daily basis to take a detour and look for an alternate route. If possible, travelers were urged to stay home while the fire was being contained. Text alerts were sent to people in Connecticut and New York, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been notified of the situation.
“I know what an incredible inconvenience this is for people and all I can ask you to do is stay away from that area as best you can,” Connecticut Gov said in a statement, reported by AP. “The traffic jams are horrendous.”
Connecticut highway collision
Social media is now flooded with videos from the incident, as dozens of onlookers captured the harrowing scene on their cameras. The collision happened around 5:30 in the morning, News 8 Connecticut reported. The overpass was damaged in Thursday’s crash, but according to Connecticut Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Scott Hill, it appears to be “stable and safe.”
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“Gasoline can really heat up and heat the bridge up and cause the steel to deform,” said Hill, stressing that the police investigation needs to be completed before the state can fully assess the damage. “Once we figure out everything that’s associated with the safety of the traveling public and what we can and can’t do, we’ll provide more updates to you,” he added to the statement.
