Massive fuel tanker fire closes I-10 in New Mexico
Authorities in New Mexico are investigating a fuel tanker fire that forced the closure of I-10 in Las Cruces overnight and into Wednesday morning.
Firefighters responded around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, to I-10 at the I-25 interchange in Las Cruces for a report of a commercial vehicle fire at the I-10 flyover to I-25 north, according to the Las Cruces Fire Department.
A semi truck carrying fuel caught on fire on I-10/I-25 in Las Cruces, New Mexico #fire #truckfire #lascruces pic.twitter.com/f53vAG8r1x
— Max (@theatman90) July 12, 2023
When crews arrived at the scene, they found a fuel tanker truck completely engulfed in flames “with fire extending from the bridge down onto the shoulder of I-10.”
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire with help from Hazmat teams and air support by around 9:20 p.m.
PHOTOS: A gasoline tanker exploded in Las Cruces last night at the I-10 and I-25 Interchange. While the massive fire has since been put, the whereabouts of the driver are still unknown. @KFOX14 pic.twitter.com/9ZXTc74UbG
— Salina Madrid (@SalinaKFOX14) July 12, 2023
Authorities say that this is believed to be a single vehicle crash.
New Mexico State Police say no injuries have been reported.
“The I-10 flyover to I-25 is closed. Both directions of I-10 are closed underneath the flyover. Eastbound traffic on I-10 is being detoured at University Avenue while I-10 westbound is being detoured at the Mesquite Exit. I-10 traffic is being detoured to south Main Street. The I-10 flyover and both directions of I-10 will remain closed all night and well into Wednesday while investigators map the area and crews clear debris. Department of Transportation engineers will likely have to keep the roadways closed until the I-10 bridge and I-10 lanes are fully inspected,” the Las Cruces Fire Department said.
New Mexico State Police will be leading the crash investigation.