UPDATE: Route 24 southbound has been reopened.
A tanker driver was injured at 7:15 a.m. this morning after being involved in a rollover accident on Massachusetts, Route 24 near Fall River, Exit 5.
The tanker was heading northbound, transporting over 11,000 gallons of gasoline when it overturned near the Route 6 off-ramp and burst into flames.
Area Traffic Updates
There is currently a 1,000 foot perimeter around the accident scene, which is being evacuated due to billowing smoke. It is not yet known wether or not any other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Smoke can be seen for miles! Tanker rollover on fire in Fall River! Rt.24 CLOSED between Rt.79 and I-195. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/9C2HSnAtkB
— Olessa Stepanova (@OlessaStepanova) January 27, 2014
Jeremy W. sent in this photo from Route 24 in Fall River – fire after tractor trailer rollover at Pres. Rd #fox25 pic.twitter.com/TS5QYq8htB
— FOX 25 News Boston (@fox25news) January 27, 2014
According to local authorities, the driver was taken to the Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. Her name has not yet been released, and the nature and severity of her injuries are currently unknown. The truck is owned by J.P. Noonan.
The accident has caused major traffic delays in the area, and motorists are being asked to seek alternate routes.
Pic from scene route 24s of gas tanker mva in fall river, mass pic.twitter.com/SHOG5LxpHW
— fred almeida (@fa253) January 27, 2014
Another image of tractor trailer crash in Fall River from SKYFOX #fox25 pic.twitter.com/1uDXE9rgxP
— FOX 25 News Boston (@fox25news) January 27, 2014
Sources
Boston.com
Boston.com
Boston CBS
Providence Journal
NBC
WWLP