Michael Schmidt-A fiery crash involving tanker carrying gas closes I-95 in Connecticut in both directions

2025-05-06 03:30:32source:Michael Schmidtcategory:Contact

NORWALK,Michael Schmidt Conn. (AP) — Both sides of I-95, the East Coast’s main north-south highway, were shut down in southwestern Connecticut — causing “horrendous” traffic jams — following an early morning crash Thursday involving a passenger car, a tractor-trailer and a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons (about 32,000 liters) of gasoline.

Connecticut Ned Lamont said there were no serious injuries. However, he warned of massive traffic jams near the Norwalk crash site and urged drivers to avoid the area or stay home.

Text alerts were sent to residents of Connecticut and New York, and trucking companies were notified to find alternative routes and means of travel, he said. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has also been notified.

“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,” he said during a briefing in Hartford. “The traffic jams are horrendous.”

The crash was reminiscent of last year’s deadly accident in Philadelphia along I-95 when a tractor-trailer carrying gasoline lost control and caught fire, destroying a section of the highway. In Thursday’s accident, the overpass has been damaged but appeared to be “stable and safe,” said Scott Hill, chief engineer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

READ MORE Employer of visiting nurse who was killed didn’t protect her and should be fined, safety agency saysConnecticut governor takes partial blame for illegal cutting of 186 trees on neighbor’s propertyDriver charged with negligent homicide in fiery crash that shut down Connecticut highway bridge

Hill said the police investigation into the 5:30 a.m. crash needs to be finished before the state can fully assess the damage. Utility wires were downed, and crews need to finish their work as well.

“Gasoline can really heat up and heat the bridge up and cause the steel to deform,” he said. “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.”

More:Contact

Recommend

San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A photojournalist who captured one of the most enduring images of World War II

Appeals court frees attorney from having to join, pay dues to Louisiana bar association, for now

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Louisiana lawyer who objected to the state bar association’s public statements

Harry Styles divides social media with bold buzzcut look: 'I can't take this'

Harry Styles is in his "short hair, don't care" era, and fans can't get it off their minds.The Briti