Update: Truck Driver Dies after Fiery I-40 Crash, Westbound Lanes Still Closed
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: March 7, 2013
Update: Officials with the North Little Rock Fire Department say the truck driver has died from his injuries.
Update:
I-40 eastbound has reopened after the interstate was shut down by an 18-wheeler on fire near the Crystal Hill exit.
The North Little Rock Fire Department says the Young Road overpass is in danger of collapsing after being damaged in the truck accident.
They say it might take until after five o'clock to determine whether I-40 westbound can reopen.
Original story:
A large truck fire that stopped traffic on Interstate 40 near North Little Rock's Crystal Road is out after burning for nearly an hour.
Traffic is not being allowed through the area for at least a couple of more hours, according to the Arkansas State Police. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes.
What's left of the truck wreckage as it's removed from the scene late Thursday afternoon.
The scene after the fire was out.
Emergency crews were called to the scene early Thursday afternoon in the westbound lanes and the eastbound lanes were also closed soon after to fight the fire.
Reports from the scene say traffic has backed up for miles.
Thick black smoke could be seen from far away as firefighters battled the flames.
ASP spokesperson Bill Sadler says that an overpass directly above the fire has been compromised and closed to traffic. Sadler says it's unclear if the damage is due to the impact of the truck or heat damage from flames.
Crews are attempting to re-route traffic on to Highway 365 / MacArthur Road in North Little Rock.
The accident occurred near the 40/430 interchange but I-40 drivers are unable to exit onto I-430 due to the fire.
Sadler says the driver of the truck has been airlifted to an area hospital with severe burns. Their condition is unknown.
Update:
I-40 eastbound has reopened after the interstate was shut down by an 18-wheeler on fire near the Crystal Hill exit.
The North Little Rock Fire Department says the Young Road overpass is in danger of collapsing after being damaged in the truck accident.
They say it might take until after five o'clock to determine whether I-40 westbound can reopen.
Original story:
A large truck fire that stopped traffic on Interstate 40 near North Little Rock's Crystal Road is out after burning for nearly an hour.
Traffic is not being allowed through the area for at least a couple of more hours, according to the Arkansas State Police. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes.
What's left of the truck wreckage as it's removed from the scene late Thursday afternoon.
The scene after the fire was out.
Emergency crews were called to the scene early Thursday afternoon in the westbound lanes and the eastbound lanes were also closed soon after to fight the fire.
Reports from the scene say traffic has backed up for miles.
Thick black smoke could be seen from far away as firefighters battled the flames.
ASP spokesperson Bill Sadler says that an overpass directly above the fire has been compromised and closed to traffic. Sadler says it's unclear if the damage is due to the impact of the truck or heat damage from flames.
Crews are attempting to re-route traffic on to Highway 365 / MacArthur Road in North Little Rock.
The accident occurred near the 40/430 interchange but I-40 drivers are unable to exit onto I-430 due to the fire.
Sadler says the driver of the truck has been airlifted to an area hospital with severe burns. Their condition is unknown.
