A tanker hauling gasoline burst into flames along Interstate 95 in southwest Connecticut Thursday causing the closure of the East Coast’s main north-south highway in both directions.
Governor Ned Lamont said the incident which occurred around 5:30 a.m. caused no serious injuries.
Residents in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey and trucking companies were sent text alerts about the closing of the highway for the rest of the day.
“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,” the governor added. “The traffic jams are horrendous.”
The incident occurred under a bridge during the morning rush hour leaving other highways and alternate roads in total holdup.
It also caused damage to an overpass with engineers sent to the scene to assess the full extent of the damage and try to reopen the highway as soon as possible.
Crews were working to replace wires and offload about 3,000 gallons of gasoline that was still on the tanker.
“Gasoline can really heat up and heat the bridge up and cause the steel to deform,” said Scott Hill, the chief engineer for the State Department of Transportation.
“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 get more updates to you.”
