Crash involving tanker causes HAZMAT situation, shuts down I-65 in northwest Indiana for nearly 6 hours
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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.
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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.
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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.