NORWALK, CT (WFSB) – A petroleum tanker fire shut down both sides of I-95 in Norwalk on Thursday morning.
Flames and smoke could be seen on a southbound traffic camera near exits 14 and 15.
Gov. Ned Lamont scheduled a news conference for 9:30 a.m. at the Connecticut Emergency Operations Center in Hartford to provide an update on the crash.
The tanker burned under the Fairfield Avenue overpass.
The state Department of Transportation said the crash involved three vehicles, including the tanker and another tractor trailer. It was first reported around 5:30 a.m.
Several miles worth of delays were reported on both sides of the highway.
Traffic was being detoured off it exit 16 on the southbound side and exit 13 on the northbound side.
The crash also impacted traffic on local roads and the Merritt Parkway.
The DOT advised that drivers to delay their commute, work from home, or take a train. It sought to ease the congestion along that corridor of I-95.
It said that once the fire was extinguished. the experts would inspect the bridge and the highway for damage.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the tanker carried 8,500 gallons of gasoline. DEEP crews and contractors were on the scene.
“The catch basin system which runs along 95 drains into Norwalk harbor, so marine units, both private and from various police and fire departments, are in the water preparing for the possibility of product from the accident reaching the water,” said Paul Copleman, DEEP spokesperson.
DEEP said that some fuel did make it into the water and a boom operation was set up.
The highway was expected to remain closed for several hours.
Minor injuries were reported.
A cause has yet to be determined.
For real-time traffic information, check the Channel 3 First Alert traffic map here.
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