A chaotic scene unfolded on Thursday on I-95 in southwest Connecticut as a tanker truck, laden with gasoline, ignited into a fiery inferno following a three-vehicle collision. The resulting blaze prompted the closure of the major highway, causing significant traffic disruptions throughout the area.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, although the crash inflicted damage to the bridge spanning above the highway. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced that the highway was anticipated to remain shut until Monday morning as authorities worked to assess and address the aftermath of the collision.
Footage of the dramatic event circulated widely on social media platforms, depicting towering flames engulfing the roadway, underscoring the severity of the situation.
In response to the highway closure and safety concerns, schools in Norwalk city remained shuttered on Friday, with Mayor Harry Rilling urging local businesses to facilitate remote work arrangements for their employees. Text alerts were dispatched to residents across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, as well as to trucking companies, advising them to seek alternative routes and travel arrangements.
The tanker involved in the collision was reportedly carrying approximately 8,500 gallons of gasoline at the time of the crash, exacerbating the intensity of the inferno. While the precise cause of the collision remains under investigation, authorities are diligently working to unravel the circumstances leading to the incident.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with transportation of hazardous materials and the critical importance of maintaining safety protocols on the roadways.
