In a dramatic chain-reaction crash, a fuel truck collided and erupted into flames on Thursday morning, resulting in the closure of both directions of I-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut. The incident has caused chaos on local roads as thousands of drivers are being diverted around the accident scene. According to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's office, the closed stretch of I-95 serves a staggering 160,000 vehicles per day.

The accident occurred just before dawn when a car swerved in front of a truck pulling a flatbed trailer. At the same time, a fuel tanker was approaching the Fairfield Avenue overpass just past Exit 15 south. The collision ignited a massive fire that quickly spread down the highway, engulfing the overpass. Tragically, the fire inflicted significant damage on the structure, as well as on the gas, phone, and cable utility lines running beneath it.

Remarkably, the incident unfolded just below the Norwalk Fire Department headquarters, located adjacent to the highway. Fortunately, there were no reports of any serious injuries. However, Lamont acknowledged the huge impact of the accident, stating, "Thank God no serious injuries, but it has resulted in the closing of I-95 North and South, and that is incredible in terms of the traffic jams and what's happening there."

Hours after the fire was extinguished, the charred remnants of two trucks and a passenger vehicle remained on the closed highway between Exits 15 and 16. The closure of I-95 North and South began at Exit 13 in Darien, as confirmed by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Drivers from Bridgeport to Port Chester, New York received text alerts advising them to avoid I-95, and trucking companies were instructed to utilize alternate routes such as I-87 and I-84. Avril Jenerette, a trucker, lamented the impact of the closure, stating, "For a lot of truckers, we're on the clock, can only work 14 hours and drive 11 hours. So the impact, this slows down the delivery time for our loads."

Connecticut Governor Lamont urged drivers to stay away from the affected area and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the traffic congestion. Delays are also expected on the Merritt Parkway as efforts to clear I-95 continue.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to social media to express gratitude to the first responders tackling the fire and ensuring the safety of other drivers. He urged people to heed local authorities' detours and avoid the area if possible.

Governor Lamont, also posting on social media, stated that the closed area would remain shut "for an extended period" as crews investigate the crash, clean up the fuel spill, and monitor the overpass's structural integrity. The Chief Engineer for Connecticut's Department of Transportation, Scott Hill, assured the public that while the overpass sustained damage, it is stable and safe, but further assessment is required before reopening. Utility wires were left hanging from the damaged overpass.

Hazmat crews promptly responded to address concerns about materials seeping into the Norwalk River. The fuel truck was carrying 8,500 gallons of fuel, of which 75% either burned or spilled onto the highway, according to officials.

The aftermath of this devastating incident will undoubtedly impact traffic and transportation in the region for the foreseeable future. Authorities continue to work diligently to fully investigate the crash, repair the damaged infrastructure, and ensure the safety of the area.