3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

A tragic incident occurred today at the Gold Star Memorial Bridge in Connecticut, resulting in a fatal collision and large fire. The bridge, which spans the Thames River and links New London and Groton, collided at approximately 11 a.m. between a tanker truck and a passenger car. Unfortunately, the driver of the truck did not survive. Others were injured in the collision, resulting in the closure of the southbound lanes of Interstate 95.

Although the northbound lane is now open, the government stated the southbound lane will remain shut down "for some time." Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont told a news conference about the incident, noting that the state Department of Transportation will inspect the bridge to determine if it is safe for the northbound lane to carry two-way traffic.

The fire from the collision reportedly spilled over to a construction and marine company under the bridge on the Groton side. Government is still investigating the incident.

The Golden Star Memorial Bridge is Connecticut's largest passenger and truck bridge, at 6,000 feet long. It is undergoing major repairs, with repairs to the north span accelerated by $158 million in funding from the new federal infrastructure law announced earlier this year by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure for all who use it. Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating event.

We took this video from ABC News YouTube Channel.