NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A chain-reaction crash along Interstate 95 in Northwest Miami-Dade caused a fuel tanker to overturn, spilling thousands of gallons of fuel on the highway and leading to the closure of all southbound lanes, authorities said.
Drivers stuck in the traffic mess Sunday afternoon took out their phones and began recording video of the congestion and the tractor-trailer that flipped over near the Northwest 119th Street exit, just before 12:30 p.m.
“Ground zero for the zombie apocalypse is here in Miami,” said a man in cellphone video posted on social media.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a red pickup truck and a silver Lexus sedan were involved in a crash. As a result, the Lexus collided into the tanker, causing both vehicles to overturn.
7News has learned that the tanker was carrying 8,000 gallons of fuel at the time of the crash.
Cellphone video showed the damaged cars, including the silver Lexus, which was nearly crushed.
FHP troopers shut down all southbound lanes between Northwest 103rd and 125th streets.
Traffic cameras captured dozens of vehicles backed up for miles, as MDFR crews and dozens of law enforcement personnel on-site tried to manage the chaos.
Cellphone video also showed people getting out of their cars and even driving the wrong way on entrance ramps as they attempted to get out of the jam.
Investigators said the people involved in the crash suffered minor injuries.
Just before 5 p.m., a road ranger who responded to the scene told 7News that it will take crews at least four or five more hours to clean up the spill.
As of 11 p.m., the tanker was still on the highway, but it has been uprighted. Troopers advise drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
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