I-91 Ramp in Enfield Closed Indefinitely Due to Gas Spill: UPDATE

ENFIELD, CT — A tanker carrying over 8,000 gallons of gasoline rolled over while exiting Interstate 91 near the Massachusetts border Monday afternoon, prompting calls for assistance from all five Enfield fire companies as well as Longmeadow and Hartford.

The accident occurred around 1:07 p.m. on the Exit 49 southbound ramp off the highway. A considerable amount of gasoline was flowing out of the truck, said Mark Zarcaro, public information officer for the Enfield fire departments.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries, and was transported to an area hospital, Zarcaro said.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded to the scene to assess the leak, and determined many gallons had leaked into the ground, requiring extensive clean-up. Consequently, the exit 49 southbound on and off-ramps will remain closed for an extended period, possibly through the end of the day Tuesday, said Connecticut State Police spokesperson Kelly Grant.

Firefighters from neighboring Longmeadow assisted at the scene, and a foam unit from Hartford was called in, Zarcaro said.

Residents of nearby Kalish Avenue were asked to evacuate as a precuation, and should remain so until notification that it is safe to return, according to an alert by the town's Everbridge notification system.

Photo credit: Mark Zarcaro/Fire Departments of Enfield