A Monday morning collision between a car and a loaded gasoline tanker along Interstate 595 in Broward caused the tanker to ultimately flip onto its side, causing major road closures as a result.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 9 a.m. when the tanker and another vehicle were traveling westbound on I-595 near exit 10 east of Interstate 95.
That's when a sideswipe collision occurred, causing the tanker to veer into the grass median and overturn onto its side.
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Crews spent hours offloading 9,000 gallons of gas into a second trailer. Once the fuel was pumped from one tanker to the other, BSFR said the rolled-over tanker would be righted by industrial tow trucks.
The tanker suffered a leak in one of its saddle tanks, which supplies fuel to the tractor which pulls the trailer, officials said. An estimated 20 gallons of fuel had leaked before fire rescue arrived to secure it.
The driver of the tanker self-extricated from the tractor and was not injured. It is believed another vehicle may have been involved in causing the accident, officials said. The Florida Highway Patrol will investigate that possibility.
Local
BSFR units from Port Everglades, as well as BSFR regional assets including the Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue teams also responded to aid in securing the scene and preventing any additional emergencies.
Eastbound and westbound lanes on I-595 were closed, which is affecting the entry to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.
Eastbound lanes are being diverted to the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 95. Westbound lanes are being diverted to I-95 southbound. Westbound lanes at US1/Port Everglades will also be closed.
