Collision with fuel truck sparks massive fire on Connecticut highway bridge
One person died and multiple were injured in crash
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A collision between a car and a fuel delivery truck in Connecticut on Friday sparked a massive blaze on a major highway bridge, temporarily shutting down Interstate 95 as firefighters worked to contain a fire that jump onto adjoining land.
“This was a tragic accident at 11:15 this morning,” Governor Ned Lamont said on Friday during a press conference. “It looks like a passenger vehicle tire blew out, creating an incident” with "billowing smoke, incredible flames, pouring right down through the pipes, spilling out into the Thames River,” he added.
The driver of the truck was killed in the crash, while two people suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to officials.
"My heart goes out to the family of the truck driver,” said on Friday.
The incident occurred on the southbound side of Gold Star Memorial Bridge between New London and Groton, Connecticut, a busy corridor through which 60,000 vehicles often pass daily.
“I saw the smoke from a distance, thought it was something from underneath,” Seth Bottone, 48, told news station WCVB. “As I got closer, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’”
The Navy, which has a submarine base nearby, sent teams of firefighters to assist with the containment effort, and environmental crews worked Friday to remove contaminants from the Thames.
By Friday evening, traffic reopened on both sides of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.
There is no damage to the steel structure of the bridge, according to officials.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments