Interstate-95 in Norwalk, Connecticut, has been closed in both directions indefinitely following a crash involving a fuel tanker that caught fire beneath an overpass. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced the closure of this major transportation route linking New England and New York.

The incident occurred early in the morning in a chain-reaction collision when a car suddenly changed lanes in front of a truck pulling a flatbed trailer. At the same time, a fuel tanker was getting closer to the Fairfield Avenue overpass bridge, just after Exit 15 South. This involved a three-vehicle collision, resulting in a fire. 

Two trucks caught fire on I 95 heading south through Norwalk Connecticut early this morning. I hope no one lost their lives, but that is very questionable. This stretch of highway is known to be one of the most dangerous stretches through the northeast. pic.twitter.com/vu9UyMdMY4

— Lou DiMeglio (@DiMeglioLou) May 2, 2024

Norwalk Fire Department’s Stephen Shay told CBS that the tractor-trailer swerved to the right and he hit the other tractor-trailer, which “ripped open the back of his gasoline tanker”. 

Although no serious injuries were reported, the accident caused damage to the bridge over the highway, forcing the authorities to close it, and leading to significant traffic disruptions. 

Governor Lamont stated that the demolition would start “first thing tomorrow morning” as “the heat from the burning fuel compromised some of the bridge”, as per AP.

He has declared a state of emergency as drivers now face challenges navigating detours, leading to traffic standstills and business slowdowns. According to the Governor’s office, the closed section of I-95 typically served 1,60,000 vehicles per day. 

The Governor said that it would impact the local merchants, adding he was worried about “supply chain issues.” 

A spokesperson from the Connecticut Department of Transportation revealed at a press conference that despite the bridge being less than a decade old, the severity of the fire directly beneath it led to significant damage. 

The heat caused the bridge’s seal to warp, rendering it unsafe for traffic in either direction. The intense heat from the flames also affected the structure and utility lines of the bridge, including gas, phone, and cable, passing beneath it. 

Bill Turner, the state’s emergency management director, said that alerts would be sent to anyone in the affected area, urging them to avoid the vicinity for safety reasons.

Two thieves barged into a garage in the US and stole an Aston Martin, shortly after the owner came back from a drive. A video posted by Westport Police Department in Connecticut shows the masked thieves running up behind the homeowner as he drives the sports car into his garage. They drag the man out of the blue convertible and drive away. The incident took place around 4pm on Sunday, the police further said on the social media platform.

The video also shows an argument between the carjackers and the homeowner. When the man refused to move, one of the robbers pulled him out and threw him on the floor, as seen in the clip.

The homeowner kept shouting for help, and asked someone inside the house to call the police.

“There have been no significant developments in the investigation as of this writing. The Aston Martin has not been recovered and there have been no arrests,” the West Port Police said on Facebook.

The police added that the robbers believed to have followed the owner of the Aston Martin to his house in a stole dark blue BMW.

“The complaint suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault but declined medical attention. Broadcast messages were sent to neighbouring towns and Connecticut State Police. Both of these vehicles were reported to be last seen traveling north on Route 8,” the Facebook post further said.

The Westport police warned residents to be extra aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to emergency number 911.