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Connecticut

Fiery Connecticut I-95 tanker crash shuts down portion of major highway for second time in just over a year

The crucial stretch of southwestern highway 20 miles from the New York border will 'remain closed through at least Monday,' governor says

Stepheny Price By Stepheny Price Fox News
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Connecticut tanker truck inferno shuts down portion of Interstate 95 Video

Connecticut tanker truck inferno shuts down portion of Interstate 95

State officials said Thursday that the stretch of highway in Norwalk is expected to be closed for several days as clean-up efforts from the early-morning crash and fire are underway. (X/@GovNedLamont)

For the second time in just over a year, a busy portion of Interstate 95 in Connecticut will be shut down through the weekend after a tractor-trailer carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline exploded into a massive inferno Thursday morning in Norwalk.

"Emergency crews continue to work the scene of the tanker fire on I95. Our officers are working to reroute traffic throughout the city. We remind everyone to seek alternate routes and give yourself extra time to travel," Norwalk police wrote in a post on X. 

According to state police, troopers responded to a report of a crash around 5:30 a.m., involving one or more trucks and another vehicle that resulted in a massive fire on I-95 southbound under an overpass in the area of exits 15 and 16.

During a press conference, Gov. Ned Lamont said, thankfully, no one was seriously injured. 

FIERY CONNECTICUT FUEL TRUCK CRASH ON I-95 BRIDGE LEAVES 1 DEAD, OTHERS INJURED

Scene of fiery crash on I-95

Both sides of Interstate 95 in Norwalk, Connecticut, will be closed for an extended period of time following a fiery crash Thursday morning, according to officials.  (FOX61)

Lamont, who declared a state of emergency due to the severity of the damage, stated on X that both directions of the crucial stretch of southwestern Connecticut highway just 20 miles from the New York border will "remain closed through at least Monday" for police investigations, structural evaluations, and the rebuilding of the interstate and bridge.

"The overpass near Exit 15 on I-95 in Norwalk needs to be demolished, and the road needs to be repaved," Lamont posted on X.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also acknowledged the crash, and said his team was working closely with officials to get the roadway cleared as soon as possible.  

"Our highways team is working closely with Connecticut's DOT on the tanker fire that has closed I-95 in Norwalk. Please heed local authorities on detours and avoid the area if possible. Thank you to the first responders who are dealing with the fire and keeping other drivers safe," Buttigieg posted on X. 

FREIGHT TRAIN CARRYING GASOLINE, PROPANE DERAILS NEAR ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO LINE AMID AFTERMATH OF SEVERE WEATHER

  • Damage from fiery crash
    Image 1 of 4

    A tanker truck filled to the brim with gasoline slammed into a tractor-trailer and burst into a fiery inferno Thursday morning on Interstate 95 in Connecticut. (X/@GovNedLamont)

  • Crews on scene of fiery crash
    Image 2 of 4

    A busy section of a major highway that runs through New England will be closed for an "extended period of time" after a tanker carrying gas crashed and burst into flames on Thursday morning, officials said. (X/@ CT_STATE_POLICE)

  • Bridge damage from fiery crash on Connecticut highway
    Image 3 of 4

    A tractor-trailer fire involving 8,500 gallons of gasoline shut down Interstate 95 Thursday morning in Norwalk, Connecticut. (X/ @GovNedLamont)

  • Fiery crash shuts down portion of major highway
    Image 4 of 4

    All southbound and northbound lanes on Interstate 95 in the area of Exit 15 in Norwalk, Connecticut, are closed after a petroleum truck crashed and burst into flames around 5:30 a.m., state and local police said. (X/@CT_STATE_POLICE)

Lamont said the state is working to determine when it will be safe for the road to re-open and is encouraging travelers to use alternate routes.

In April 2023, one person was killed and several others were injured after a truck carrying thousands of gallons of fuel rolled over on I-95 in Groton. 

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At the time, Lamont said that a passenger vehicle tire blew out and created a "tragic" incident that saw the tractor-trailer overturn and erupt into flames, as roughly 2,200 gallons of fuel spilled onto the roadway.