Fiery Truck Crash Shuts Down Interstate Linking New York and Boston; Long Closure Feared

AP ^ | Mar. 25, 2004

[nuconvert]

Fiery Truck Crash Shuts Down Interstate Linking New York and Boston; Long Closure Feared

Mar 25, 2004

The Associated Press

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - An oil tanker truck crashed on Interstate 95 Thursday night and started a fire that burned out of control, possibly destroying bridges in both directions on the heavily used highway between New York and Boston, state police said. Only minor injuries were reported, but there was a gaping hole in one of the bridges, said Sgt. J. Paul Vance, a state police spokesman.

The highway may be closed for days or weeks because of the damage, Vance said. He said engineers would assess the damage.

"The road is completely on fire," Vance said. "The fire is out of control."

A bystander told The Associated Press that he heard several explosions and flames were shooting 50 feet into the air.

Transportation Department spokesman Chris Cooper said one of the two highway bridges buckled due to the immense heat from the fire.

I-95 is a vital artery connecting the New York area, Connecticut and the rest of New England.

[Petronski]

Bush knew and let it happen on purpose.

</DU.Psychotic.Paranoia>

[oceanview]

one of the worse sections of road around.

[JOE6PAK]

WHERE WAS GEORGE?

[nuconvert]

Sounds like it's worse now.

[TaxRelief]

CT ping. I 95 mess.

[Old Sarge]

I used to drive 18-wheeler not so long ago, and it always amazed me that, there was one question that is never asked, and I'll ask it now:

IS THE DRIVER OKAY???

[goodnesswins]

"Only minor injuries were reported," ....it says....so I guess that means everyone is OKAY..

[nuconvert]

"Only minor injuries were reported,"

That's all the article said.

[rogueleader]

Good thing we got rid of all those trains. Boy, did they ever cause problems.

[Incorrigible]

So when the bridges on I95 in CT aren't simply collapsing due to poor design, they set them on fire instead!

[Huber]

I knew they'd find a way to fund repairs on I-95. Maybe they'll need to put the toll booths back...

[oceanview]

they got rid of the toll booths because of accidents. not that they care about the motorists who died. but when a truck crashed into the toll plaza and killed some government employee toll takers, they removed the tolls.

[McGruff]

I-95 traffic re-route plan

The following traffic plan will apply immediately as a result of the closing of Intersate I-95 in Bridgeport, CT:

From Southbound RT25/8 connector:

Take Exit 2 (Fairfield Avenue Exit). Follow Fairfield Avenue (approximatley 2-3) miles to intersection of Fairfield Avenue and Commerce Dr./Street Extension. Turn right onto Commerce Drive and follow to I-95 South entrance ramp.

From Northbound I-95:

Take Exit 25 (Commerce Drive), Turn Left onto Commerce Drive to State Street. Follow State Street to Lafayette Boulevard. Turn Right onto Lafayette Boulevard, Follow Lafayette Boulevard to the intersection of I-95 Northbound at South Frontage Road.

From Southbound I-95:

Take Exit 27 (Downtown/ Lafayette Blvd) bear Right off exit ramp onto Lafayette Boulevard. Follow to Fairfield Avenue. Turn Left onto Fairfield Avenue (approximately 2-3 miles) to the intersection of Commerce Drive and State Street Extension. Turn Right onto State Street Extension and follow to I-95 South entrance ramp.

And stay off I-84 so I can get to work today.

[nuconvert]

EVERYONE JUST STAY HOME

[oceanview]

CBS2NY reports that the roadway has sagged 3-4 FEET!

[Petronski]

CBS2NY reports that the roadway has sagged 3-4 FEET!

My condolences to all those who use this artery, but my first reaction to this news is that it is going to make a smashing documentary on the Discovery Channel.

[nuconvert]

Holy Moly!

[rogueleader]

I will be the one to start it.

So was it terrorism? Or will it merely give terrorists ideas?

[oceanview]

no, that section of roadway is very dangerous, congested, etc. just a very bad accident with the fuel leak/fire.