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Tanker truck fire closes both directions of I-95 in Palm Beach Gardens

Posted at 8:14 AM, Oct 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-30 16:41:17-04

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- A tanker truck and car collided on I-95 Southbound between PGA Boulevard and Northlake Boulevard at around 5:30 Sunday morning.

Traffic was shut down and diverted in both northbound and southbound directions as crews worked to extinguish the fire.

Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue says the fire could have been much worse if the tanker had been carrying fuel.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the tanker truck's front tire blew out, causing it to veer into another lane and strike the rear of another vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Chevrolet spun off of the tanker and came to rest in the median/emergency lane area.

The tanker struck the concrete barrier retaining wall, and after impact continued along the barrier wall, causing the trailer to overturn onto its right side.

FHP says the rear of the fuel tank was compromised, causing the tank to ignite into flames.

Officials say two people inside the Chevrolet were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the tanker truck was hospitalized with serious injuries as well.

All lanes were reopened Sunday afternoon.