An extensive multi-vehicle collision took place early Thursday morning, involving a petroleum tanker truck, a tractor-trailer, and a passenger vehicle.
This incident has resulted in the closure of both directions of I-95 and caused major traffic congestion in the vicinity.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. on the southbound lanes of I-95 near Exit 15, close to the Fairfield Avenue overpass in Norwalk, Connecticut, as reported by abc7 NY.
The tanker, carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline, sustained significant damage during the collision, triggering a large fire.
Here’s more:
https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1786034086009565363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Miraculously, no injuries have been reported following the incident. Authorities have confirmed that there is no immediate risk of structural collapse despite the severity of the fire.
“Paul Rizzo the Chief of the Bureau of Highway Operations at the Department of Transportation stressed that the bridge, while damaged was not in imminent danger of collapse. However it would take at least 3 hours to complete the investigation of the crash, and damaged utility lines underneath the bridge were still in need of assessment by utility companies. The long term structural integrity of the bridge would also require assessment, as gasoline can burn hot enough to cause serious deformation,” Westfair Business Journal reported.
The news outlet added, “William Turner, the State Dmergency Management Director also explained that that while 6,500 gallons of fuel either burned or ran off into the Norwalk River during the fire some fuel remains and will need to be removed. The firefighting foam as well as the unignited fuel that ran off are currently the subject of a booming operation by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to minimize ecological damage.”
State Emergency Management Director William Turner provided an update on the environmental impact of the accident.
“Approximately 6,500 gallons of gasoline have either been consumed by the fire or have leaked into the surroundings. Our response teams are currently managing a cleanup operation along the Norwalk River. This effort includes both local and state hazardous materials teams who are meticulously addressing the aftermath,” Turner said.
Governor Ned Lamont (D) has been actively collaborating with federal authorities to oversee the crisis.
He highlighted his conversations with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, underscoring that federal assistance is ready to support the current situation.
https://twitter.com/GovNedLamont/status/1786008451841212528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Because of the extensive damage and ongoing safety inspections, the northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 at Exit 15 are anticipated to remain closed for an extended period.
The exact timeframe for reopening is unknown as investigations and repairs are currently in progress.
The closure has caused major disruptions, with a large number of vehicles, including numerous tractor trailers, being redirected onto local roads.
This has worsened traffic conditions in and around Norwalk.
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A truly worthless CT. Governor