Interstate-95, a vital transportation artery connecting New England and New York, has been shut down in Norwalk, Connecticut, following a fiery collision involving a fuel tanker beneath an overpass. Governor Ned Lamont announced the indefinite closure of this critical route after the incident.
The crash unfolded during the early hours of the morning in a domino effect, triggered by a sudden lane change by a car ahead of a truck hauling a flatbed trailer. Simultaneously, a fuel tanker approached the Fairfield Avenue overpass bridge near Exit 15 South, culminating in a three-vehicle collision and subsequent blaze.
Two trucks caught fire on I 95 heading south through Norwalk Connecticut early this morning. I hope no one lost their lives, but that is very questionable. This stretch of highway is known to be one of the most dangerous stretches through the northeast. pic.twitter.com/vu9UyMdMY4
— Lou DiMeglio (@DiMeglioLou) May 2, 2024
Stephen Shay of the Norwalk Fire Department recounted to CBS that one tractor-trailer veered, colliding with another and rupturing the gasoline tanker’s rear. While fortunate to escape severe injuries, the accident inflicted structural harm to the overpass, compelling authorities to cease traffic flow and resulting in considerable congestion.
Governor Lamont disclosed plans for immediate bridge demolition due to compromised integrity from the intense heat, declaring a state of emergency to manage ensuing disruptions. The closure, affecting approximately 160,000 daily commuters, threatens local commerce and raises concerns regarding supply chain disruptions.
Addressing the press, a Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesperson highlighted the unexpected magnitude of damage despite the bridge’s relative youth, emphasizing warped seals and compromised utility lines beneath the structure.
Bill Turner, the state’s emergency management director, underscored the importance of safety alerts urging residents to steer clear of the area amid ongoing assessments and repair efforts.
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