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

Both sides of I-95, the East Coast’s main north-south highway, are closed in southwestern Connecticut

NORWALK, Conn. — Both sides of I-95, the East Coast’s main north-south highway, were closed in southwestern Connecticut — causing “terrible” traffic jams — after an early morning crash Thursday that killed a passenger car, a tractor-trailer and a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons (approximately 32,000 liters) of gasoline.

Connecticut Ned Lamont said there were no serious injuries. However, he warned of massive traffic jams near the crash site in Norwalk and urged motorists 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 alternate routes and modes of transportation, he said. US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has also been informed.

“I know what an incredible inconvenience this is for people and all I can ask you is to stay away from that area as best you can,” he said during a briefing in Hartford. “The traffic jams are terrible.”

The crash was reminiscent of last year’s fatal accident in Philadelphia along I-95, when a tractor-trailer carrying gasoline lost control and burst into flames, destroying part of the highway. Thursday’s accident damaged the overpass, but it appeared “stable and safe,” said Scott Hill, chief engineer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Hill said the police investigation into the 5:30 a.m. crash must be completed before the state can fully assess the damage. The power lines have been downed and crews also have to finish their work.

“Gasoline can actually heat up and heat up the bridge, causing the steel to deform,” he said. “We will have more updates as soon as we know everything that has to do with the safety of the traveling public and what we can and cannot do.”