News Summary

Interstate 20 has reopened just 36 hours after a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline overturned and ignited, causing an overpass collapse in Aiken County. The South Carolina Department of Transportation closed the interstate for cleanup and emergency efforts involving around 35 personnel from multiple fire departments. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, though two individuals were hospitalized with minor injuries. Major repairs were completed rapidly, allowing traffic to resume on the interstate.

Aiken County, South Carolina

Interstate 20 has reopened just 36 hours after a devastating overpass collapse caused by a fuel truck crash in Aiken County on Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline overturned and ignited, resulting in a significant fire that compromised the nearby Old Vaucluse Road overpass.

In response to the emergency, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) closed the interstate in both directions between Bettis Academy Road and Edgefield Highway. Numerous fire departments responded to the scene, involving approximately 35 personnel from nine different teams, including the Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville Fire Department. Fire officials utilized around 10,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames that erupted from the burning fuel truck.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. However, two individuals sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized following the incident. The quick actions of both the fire and emergency response teams helped manage a situation that could have been significantly worse.

After the fire was under control, SCDOT crews immediately began the process of demolishing the damaged overpass and initiated repairs on the interstate. Within just 36 hours after the accident, major work including milling, repaving, and guardrail replacement was completed, allowing for the reopening of I-20 on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency Response and Recovery

In the hours following the closure, traffic was detoured for just over 24 hours, a necessary step to allow for comprehensive cleanup and repair efforts. Local law enforcement played an essential role by assisting in guiding motorists through the detours created around the closure area.

Photos released by SCDOT later illustrated the successful removal of the collapsed bridge and the restoration of traffic on the interstate. Transportation Secretary Justin Powell emphasized that, while I-20 has reopened, the process to completely replace the demolished overpass could take several months and will require careful planning and execution.

Context of Recent Incidents

This incident is not the first of its kind in Aiken County. A recent tanker accident under a bridge also caused significant traffic disruptions, albeit without igniting a fire. The area has seen an uptick in emergency events related to fuel trucks, highlighting the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials on major highways.

As this event underscores the critical importance of safety measures on the roads, local authorities continue to evaluate transportation safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The quick restoration of services post-incident reflects ongoing efforts to maintain safety and efficiency on the roads amidst challenges posed by accidents involving hazardous materials.

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