Crash involving tanker causes HAZMAT situation, shuts down I-65 in northwest Indiana for nearly 6 hours
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. - A crash involving a tanker forced the closure of Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana for nearly six hours Wednesday afternoon.
At about 12:20 p.m., troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-65 at the 247 mile marker.
According to preliminary information, a tractor-trailer was northbound when for unknown reasons it veered into the center divider wall.
The crash pushed the concrete barriers into the southbound lanes of travel. A tanker semi that was traveling southbound then struck the concrete.
The tanker drove off the right side of the roadway, overturning and coming to a rest in the west ditch.
Signage on the tanker indicated that it was loaded with propane, which is flammable, Indiana State Police said.
Because of the potentially hazardous scene, all lanes, both north and southbound were closed with traffic diverted at S.R. 2 and at U.S. 30.
Once the scene was deemed safe for vehicle removal, WAFFCO Towing was contacted to remove the tanker. After the tanker was removed, all lanes reopened at 6:15 p.m.
Both truck drivers were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Four additional vehicles sustained damage because of this crash.