Tanker Truck Crash Causes Major Traffic Jam on Interstate 95
A tanker truck carrying gasoline was involved in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Connecticut, causing a massive fire and resulting in the closure of the East Coast’s main north-south highway. Although there were no serious injuries reported, the accident caused significant traffic congestion, with the highway expected to remain closed for the majority of the day.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the accident and urged people to avoid the affected area. He emphasized the severity of the traffic jams, which extended for miles and led to gridlock on other highways and secondary roads in the vicinity. Lamont’s administration took proactive measures to inform residents of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey through text alerts, while trucking companies were also notified to seek alternative routes and means of travel. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has been made aware of the situation as well.
The accident occurred under a bridge, raising concerns about potential damage to the structure. Scott Hill, the chief engineer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, stated that the bridge appeared to be “stable and safe” but noted that engineers needed to assess the extent of the damage before reopening the highway. Lamont referred to previous incidents where tanker truck fires necessitated the replacement of bridges, expressing hope that this would not be the case with the current situation.
Efforts to restore normalcy included utility crews working on replacing downed wires and offloading the remaining gasoline from the tanker. The high heat generated by gasoline fires can cause steel structures, such as bridges, to deform. Consequently, ensuring public safety remains a priority, and updates will be provided as experts assess the situation. Additionally, environmental crews were deployed to address the contamination caused by the fire and firefighting foam that flowed into the nearby Norwalk River.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of a similar crash that occurred just over a year ago on Interstate 95, which also resulted in the closure of the highway. In that particular incident, a fuel truck caught fire after colliding with a stationary car, leading to the death of the fuel truck driver. The crash prompted an extensive shutdown of the southbound side of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, with the northbound side also briefly closed. The driver of the car involved in the collision was recently charged with negligent homicide, highlighting the legal consequences of such accidents.
The challenges posed by tanker truck accidents and their potential impact on infrastructure and public safety necessitate ongoing vigilance. Authorities continue to work diligently to assess the damage, restore traffic flow, and address environmental concerns. As road users, it is crucial to stay informed and heed official advisories to ensure personal safety and minimize disruptions during incidents of this nature.
