A severe chain-reaction accident on Friday afternoon brought traffic to a standstill for hours on the busy northbound lanes of Interstate 95, near State Road 112 in Miami. This incident prompted a significant cleanup operation following the spill of hundreds of gallons of fuel.
Authorities reported that the crash involved at least four vehicles, including a tanker truck that ended up overturned on the roadway. The collision not only caused substantial property damage but also resulted in a spill of approximately 200 gallons of fuel, activating emergency protocols for hazardous materials.
Lieutenant Alex Camacho, spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), confirmed that the accident occurred on a critical section of I-95 in Miami-Dade County, leading to traffic chaos that persisted for hours.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) stated that the northbound lanes of I-95 were closed south of SR 112/I-195. Additionally, traffic was halted on the eastbound ramps of SR 836 and the westbound I-395 ramps that connect to northbound I-95.
The collision caused the tanker to overturn, resulting in a hazardous spill that required specialized attention, Camacho detailed to Local 10. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Pete Sánchez, spokesperson for the Miami Fire Rescue, reported that one man was injured and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital. The injured individual is the tanker truck driver, though details about his condition have not been disclosed.
Firefighters applied absorbent materials to contain the spill while waiting for the hazardous materials team to arrive. The operation involved not only cleaning efforts but also safety inspections to prevent potential fires or environmental impact. The accident site remained completely closed well into the night.
According to Total Traffic Miami, the affected section of I-95 was still closed at 11:00 p.m. As of 9:30 p.m., firefighters continued their work at the scene, and the closure was expected to last several more hours, impacting both local residents and travelers heading north on the highway.
This incident highlights once again the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials on heavily trafficked urban roads. Authorities are still investigating the exact causes of the accident. Meanwhile, drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until the cleanup and repair work is completed.
FAQs on the I-95 Miami Fuel Spill Incident
What caused the I-95 accident in Miami?
The exact causes of the I-95 accident are still under investigation by authorities. It involved multiple vehicles, including a tanker truck which overturned, leading to a fuel spill.
How much fuel was spilled in the Miami I-95 accident?
Approximately 200 gallons of fuel were spilled as a result of the tanker truck overturning during the accident on I-95 in Miami.
How long was I-95 closed due to the accident?
The closure of I-95 lasted well into the night, with the affected section still closed at 11:00 p.m. on the day of the accident. Cleanup and safety operations extended for several hours.