Truck Emits Black Smoke, Sprays Oil On I-95 In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Northbound Interstate 95 was congested Tuesday afternoon in Fairfield and Westport after a semitrailer experienced engine issues and started smoking.

The truck blew its turbo, a part of the diesel engine, and began to emit black smoke and spray oil all over the vehicle's cab and trailer, Fairfield Fire Department Assistant Chief George Gomola said. The driver was trying to reach the rest area near Exit 22, but couldn't get there it in time and pulled over on the interstate instead, according to Gomola, who said the department put down material to absorb the oil the truck had leaked on the roadway.

The incident, which the Connecticut Department of Transportation website reported as a tractor trailer fire, occurred about 4 p.m. and briefly closed the right lane. The interstate was congested for more than 3 miles between Exits 18 and 22 at the time of the accident, according to the website. Traffic in the area was clear by about 4:45 p.m.