TN I-65 shut down exit 61 - Tanker crash explosion fatality bridge damage

I-65 X61 by the T/A truckstop they are building a new bridge across I-65 on Peytonsvoille Rd.

Aug.15 @ 03:45 southbound tanker crashes into support, explodes, driver dies. Bridge damaged, showing signs of bowing. This is the new bridge under construction. Not sure condition of adjacent old bridge.

This looks to be a worst case scenario and will be an ongoing problem. Plan detours in the future.

I-840 @ I-65 is jammed up if you can imagine that!

This is gonna throw a wrench in my spokes for sure.



http://www.fox17.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/breaking-news-bridge-franklin-damaged-fire-after-tanker-explosion-one-dead-22889.shtml

Edit, Update - New link http://fox17.com/news/features/feat...re-after-tanker-explosion-one-dead-2473.shtml

The Tennessee Department of Transportation says they may have to shut down that part of I-65 all weekend and that Peytonsville Road could be closed for months.
Franklin police say there is no estimate when I-65 will re-open. The truck was owned by Edwards Oil Company of Lawrenceburg, TN.
Pretty somber scene.

 

Not a good week for Nashville and tankers. Wed. a tri star tanker flipped and spilled gasoline and diesel on Centennial Ave. Driver OK. This area is still closed for cleanup.

http://www.fox17.com/news/features/...tanker-crash-explosion-jen-french-22884.shtml

 

The new bridge is south of the old bridge. All that remains of the gasoline tanker is the rear 1/3 of the trailer underneath the old bridge. Chunks of concrete are missing from the old bridge concrete beams and deck. The steel i-beams of the new bridge are sagging at least a foot or more over the southbound side of the interstate. A roller and dump truck that was parked under the new bridge was burned to the ground. A lot of wood from the cement work burned up below and on top of the new deck which looks like it was recently poured.

My guess is both structures will need to come down.

Fox 17 reporter talked to a trucker who was walking his dog at the T/A and saw the fireball when it happened. He grabbed up his dog and ran back to his truck.

 

I don't think they'll ever know. All the evidence is burned up and no witnesses yet.

Right now I-65 traffic is being routed along the N/S on/off ramps so it is a fustercluck and will be for weeks or months.

 

Sad for the driver. Info on him is he was lifelong local guy from Maury Co., 67 years old, fixing to retire soon, was an excellent driver and was with the company 40 years.

Bridges are being demolished this weekend. Traffic is able to use on/off ramps. I-65 expected to re-open Monday afternoon.