Gas Tanker Crash Leads to Fiery Explosion on I-95 in Connecticut — Here's What Happens Next

“This could have been so much worse,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling

• The crash involving a gas tanker damaged a section of I-95 in Connecticut on May 2

• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency following the crash

• Officials are asking drivers to stay off the road through the weekend with a demolition of the overpass starting on May 3

A part of Interstate 95 in Connecticut will remain shut down at least through this weekend following a gas tanker crash that caused a fire to erupt and damaged an overpass on Thursday, May 2.

The fiery crash involved a tractor-trailer, the fuel truck and another vehicle, according to NBC affiliate WVIT. There were no injuries from the crash and the fire. 

“This could have been so much worse.  We’re very grateful that nobody was seriously injured,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, according to the CT Examiner.

The Hartford Courant reported that about 4,000 gallons of fuel spilled and burned, while the rest was taken off the truck, per a state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection spokesperson.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency following the incident, saying: "The immediate repair and reconstruction of the damaged highway/bridge is vital to the security, wellbeing and health of the residents of Connecticut, as well as the residents of the states along the Eastern Seaboard.”

In a press statement about the declaration, Lamont said that the damage from the accident caused major damage to the overpass and cautioned that it is not safe for drivers to use the road.

“Structural engineers have determined that this overpass needs to be demolished and the road needs to be repaved. We are advising commuters to expect that this area of I-95 in Norwalk will remain closed at least through the weekend,” said Lamont.

Related: Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Being Struck by Cargo Ship in 'Mass Casualty' Event

Inevitably, the accident has caused traffic headaches. In a post on X after the crash, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) echoed the governor’s message about the closure, writing: “We expect I-95 in Norwalk to remain closed through the weekend as crews demolish the damaged bridge. We hope to have the highway reopened by Monday morning.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The CT DOT also warned drivers in another X post that traffic was closed at I-95 northbound at exit 14 and southbound at exit 15. "Please avoid the area," the department added. "Commercial vehicles should use I-84 as an alternate route."

Related: 2 Dead After Vehicle Explosion on Niagara Falls Bridge from U.S. to Canada: Reports

Lamont added that extra rail service will be provided for those who want to commute into New York and get up into Hartford," reported ABC affiliate WABC. “My recommendation is if you can't stay home, take the train stay away from the cars," the governor added.

Rilling suggested that people should stay off the road, WABC reported, saying: "We've scheduled some different staggering work times for people so that they can come in later, maybe go home earlier so we can reduce some of the traffic. But we're also asking a lot of our staff to work from home.”

In a post shared by the Stamford Police Department on Facebook, the CT DOT announced that demolition over the overpass was scheduled to begin on Friday, May 3.

Related: Truck Driver Dead After Tanker Rolled Off Bridge and 'Burst into Flames' on Highway

“During this phase, I-95 will be closed, and the demolition is expected to last approximately four days, with the anticipation of reopening I-95 on Monday, May 6, 2024,” according to the statement. “This will unavoidably lead to severe disruptions on local roads in Stamford, resulting in increased traffic congestion. We strongly advise individuals who do not have essential travel needs to refrain from using the roads."

"For those who must travel," the statement continued, "we recommend allowing extra time and exercising patience. Additionally, we encourage commuters traveling to and from Stamford to utilize Metro North train services or explore alternative routes.”

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.