Massive fireball soars in sky as tanker truck rolls over and explodes …

One person has been killed and two injured after a tanker truck rolled over and exploded in a burst of flames on a major bridge. The fire[1] has also spread to nearby buildings, police have confirmed. The fuel truck was travelling along Route 95, passing over the Gold Star Bridge, in Groton, Connecticut when it burst into flames around 11.30am local time.

The driver of the tanker was pronouced dead at the scene, while two passengers in a car involved were taken to hospital with unspecified injuries. Footage from the scene shows huge plumes of black smoke billowing out from the remnants of the truck. Have you been caught up in the fire?

Email [email protected][2]

The fire has reportedly spread to buildings below the bridge (Twitter/@sbottone)Huge plumes of smoke have been billowing across the bridge (Twitter/@Moneymakerzzz91)

Injuries are unknown at this time, with Connecticut State Police warning people to avoid the area. Fire was said to be “pouring” off the bridge to several buildings below. Police have confirmed fire has spread to buildings below Gold Star Bridge.

People have taken to social media to share images and videos from underneath the bridge, which show smaller fires breaking out. Gorton Mayor Keith Hedrick confirmed that a power line had gone down as a result of the fire. The fires are close to the nearby Amtrak line, with passengers posting footage of the scene as they travel past.

Drivers passed the fire which had spread along the bridge (Twitter/@Moneymakerzzz91)One person is said to have died after the incident (Twitter)

Mayor Hedrick said: “We put out the secondary fires once the electric was made safe and there were no potential issues of electrocution.

“We had no injuries as a result of the secondary fire, the secondary fires were mostly brush fires. “The fires are mostly out and we’re now cleaning.” The Mayor also confirmed it was home heating fuel being carried, in a regular fuel delivery truck as opposed to a tanker.

People embracing after a crash involving a fuel truck and a car sparked a fire on the Gold Star Bridge (AP)The massive fire shut down Interstate 95 (Twitter)

He commended the “tremendous” work of first responders.

The Interstate 95 was shut down on both sides while emergency services dealt with the fire. The mayor also confirmed to local news outlet, Channel 3, that the southern side of the bridge was closed for structural inspection. The northern side was also closed, but expected to reopen at some point.

Connecticut State Police have confirmed northbound lanes have reopened, however southbound remains closed. In an update they said: “Injuries reported but extent is unknown at this time. Avoid the area.”

Huge plumes of smoke were spotted as a result of the fire (Twitter/@SmittyDay)

Photos shared by local residents show pillars holding up the bridge on fire down below.

The Gold Star Memorial Bridge connects New London and Groton near the Long Island and Block Island Sounds. The bridge also sits next to a US submarine base. Traffic cameras from the scene show the burnt out shell of the fuel tanker sitting atop scorched asphalt on the bridge.

Traffic cameras on the bridge show the aftermath of the fire (Twitter)

A number of emergency services vehicles can be seen surrounding the aftermath of the fire atop the bridge.

Initially reporting the incident, Connecticut State Police said: Gold Star Bridge in Groton is shutdown for an active fire. “The investigation is in it’s infancy stages and is still active, fluid and ongoing. Please use alternat routes.

More info will be released when available.”

Huge amounts of smoke were seen billowing from the scene (Twitter)

Police have said there will be a media staging area set up, but have asked people to “be patient” with them “as this scene is still very active, fluid and ongoing”. It means we can express some kind of press conference and more information – though it’s unclear when that will be. Locals are warning people to be careful on the roads, saying there’s “tons of traffic in ledyard from the gold star bridge”.

The fire has spread under the bridge and to buildings (Twitter/@eregan_ct)Fires have been spotted underneath the bridge (Twitter/@LouisaDeRoetth)

In one dramatic video of the tanker being engulfed in flames, a driver is heard saying: “Holy c**p, look at this s**t guys.

“Going down the frickin’, the Gold Star Bridge, oh my god, holy s**t.”

Smoke soared into the sky (Twitter/@thedayct)

The Salvation Army is also doing their bit to help out. They said: “The Salvation Army’s New London canteen currently responding to a heavy tanker fire on the GOld Star Memorial Bridge. EDS team serving hydration products and food to fire and rescue crews.”

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

References

1. ^ fire (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ [email protected] (www.mirror.co.uk)