Gold Star Bridge fire: One dead as fuel tanker rolls over and explodes
Footage from the scene shows huge plumes of black smoke billowing out from the remnants of the truck.
Connecticut: Smoke billows from tanker truck fire in Groton
One person has died after a fuel tanker truck rolled over and burst into flames on a major bridge. The fire has also spread to nearby buildings, police have confirmed.
The vehicle was travelling along Route 95, passing over the Gold Star Bridge, in Groton, Connecticut, when it went up in flames at around 11.30am, according to state police.
Videos taken from the scene show roaring fires and huge plumes of black smoke billowing out from the remnants of the truck.
Police confirmed there were fires "pouring" off the bridge to several buildings below, while Gorton Mayor Keith Hedrick confirmed that a power line had gone down as a result.
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."
He praised the "tremendous" work of first responders but confirmed that one person, the truck driver, was sadly killed.
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Photos shared by local residents show pillars holding up the bridge - which connects New London and Groton near the Long Island and Block Island Sounds - on fire down below. The bridge also sits next to the Naval Submarine Base in New London.
The US submarine base reportedly sent its firefighters to help with the fire, the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs Office told Fox61.
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."
Locals warned people on social media to be careful on the roads, saying there's "tons of traffic in ledyard from the gold star bridge".
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