Terrifying moment tanker truck on I-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut, explodes after smashing into tractor-trailer while carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline

A tanker truck carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline crashed into a tractor-trailer on I-95 in Connecticut on Thursday, causing a massive fireball to erupt and engulf the overpass above.

The fiery crash happened in Norwalk near exit 15 at around 5am, leading to both sides of the major east coast highway being shut down down by emergency personnel that arrived at the scene, the Hartford Courant reported.

The tanker truck, the tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle got wrapped up in the accident, though nobody was seriously injured in what appeared to be devastating collision, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said in a press conference.

Connecticut State Police put out a statement at noon Thursday urging drivers to 'avoid non-essential travel in the Norwalk area.'

Local firefighters responded first, putting out the flaming vehicles. Crews from Connecticut's Department of Transportation, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and state energy provider Eversource also arrived to the scene to offer assistance. 

Fire crews arrive on the scene to put out the truck which is still burning strong

A screen cap from a video posted by Governor Ned Lamont showing the towering fire caused by a collision on I-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut

Given the cleanup efforts and the damage assessments that still in the process of being carried out, Lamont advised travelers to take different roads, including I-84 or I-87.

'I know what an incredible inconvenience this is for people,' Lamont said, adding that he had briefed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on the developing situation this morning. 'And all I can ask you to do is stay away from that area the best you can. The traffic jams are horrendous.' 

Buttigieg also released a statement this morning about four hours following the crash, telling drivers to listen to local authorities who may have to divert them away from the collision site.

'Our highways team is working closely with Connecticut's DOT on the tanker fire that has closed I-95 in Norwalk,' Buttigieg wrote on X.

He added: 'Please heed local authorities on detours and avoid the area if possible. Thank you to the first responders who are dealing with the fire and keeping other drivers safe.' 

The bridge above sustained fire damage, according to officials, but remains safe

The aftermath of the crash with the remains of the tanker truck pictured underneath the smoldering overpass

Updates are being provided to locals who are told to avoid the area 

Paul Rizzo, bureau chief of highway operations for the Connecticut DOT, said during the press conference that detours had already been set up on I-95 to steer people away from the incident.

Another DOT official said the bridge that sustained fire damage as a result of the crash was 'stable' and that the surrounding area was 'safe.'

'I just want to stress that the bridge is stable,' said Scott Hill, bureau chief of Engineering and Construction at the DOT, adding, 'There is damage to the bridge, so I want to make sure everybody knows that...but it’s not a collapse issue and the area is safe.'

Hill explained that the extremely high temperatures the inferno gave off could have deformed the steel in the bride, which is why further investigation by an engineer is needed.

Lamont said Connecticut officials would have an update for the public by the early afternoon about when the portion of I-95 affected by this incident can reopen. 

There have been no updates as of publication.