Tractor-trailer jackknifes and bursts into flames; eastbound I-595 closes
DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The eastbound lanes of Interstate 595 were shut down for more than five hours after a tractor-trailer jack-knifed and burst into flames, causing a fuel leak and major traffic problems.
The Florida Highway Patrol shut down the eastbound lanes of I-595 around 1 p.m. Friday after the driver of a tractor-trailer crashed into the southbound wall of the highway.
According to the truck's driver, a vehicle in front of him slammed on its breaks, forcing him to do the same. The abrupt stop caused the truck to lose control and jack-knife, leaving it hanging slightly off the side of I-595.
Eventually, the front side of the truck also burst into flames and fuel began to leak to the ground below. According to officials, the tractor-trailer was carrying 275 gallons of fuel, 50 of which spilled into a drainage system below the highway, which the Department of Environmental Protection is currently cleaning up.
Thankfully, both driver and passenger of the truck were not seriously injured during the accident, receiving treatment on scene.
After five and a half hours, FHP reopened two of the three lanes of eastbound I-595. The third lane opened after the truck was removed from the highway even later in the day. Traffic was still somewhat congested during the rush hour commute.
(Copyright 2007 by The Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
