Fuel Tanker Explosion on Connecticut Bridge Kills at Least One Person

A fuel tanker crashed and rolled over on a major bridge in Connecticut on Friday, causing a massive explosion that shut down a part of Interstate 95, state officials said. At least one person was dead and the state police said injuries had been reported.

Reports and photos emerged late Friday morning showing thick clouds of smoke and flames shooting out over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, which connects the coastal Connecticut cities of Groton and New London.

Trooper First Class Pedro Muniz of the Connecticut State Police said that injuries were reported after the 11:30 a.m. accident but it was unclear how many or how severe they were. He said that officials were asking people to avoid the area. Mayor Michael Passero of New London said in a text message to The New York Times that “the driver of the oil truck died at the scene.”

Buildings below the Golden Star Memorial Bridge, a pair of steel truss bridges on the Thames River, were also on fire, the Connecticut State Police said on Twitter. “Injuries reported but extent is unknown at this time,” the police wrote, warning people to avoid the area.

Officials closed the highway between exits 86 and 88, Trooper Muniz said, and the bridge was closed in both directions for part of the day. Amtrak reported some delays along the Northeast corridor, which has tracks near the accident.

Several agencies, including the Coast Guard, are responding.

Johnny Diaz contributed reporting.