FLORIDA TURNPIKE CLOSED IN BOYNTON BEACH

COMPLETELY CLOSED NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND.

BY: TRAFFIC CENTER | BocaNewsNow.com

UPDATE: 12:01 p.m. — Update from Florida Highway Patrol. Read below.

UPDATE AT 9:33 a.m. — Complete advisory from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Read below.

UPDATE AT 8:45 a.m. — All lanes are reopening, but traffic is expected to be extremely heavy throughout the morning.

UPDATE AT 7:49 a.m. — One southbound lane now open.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Florida Department of Transportation tells BocaNewsNow.com at 6:05 a.m. that the Florida Turnpike is closed in the area of Boynton Beach Blvd. due to a tanker fire. The closure is NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND.

Traffic is backed up on the turnpike and the closure is expected to continue throughout the morning.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. U.S. 441 northbound and I-95 are your best alternates. Rejoin the turnpike north of Boynton Beach Blvd.

We encourage you to check FL511.com for the the latest updates direct from the Florida Department of Transportation.

UPDATE FROM PBCFR:

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Firefighters responded to the northbound lanes of the Florida’s Turnpike north of Boynton Beach Blvd. near the Hypoluxo overpass just before 6am this morning to reports of an explosion and a massive fuel tanker fire. The tanker was the only vehicle involved and thankfully, the driver of the vehicle was able to escape in time with no injuries.

The impact of the crash split the tanker open and the fuel was actively burning sending a large plume of black smoke that could be seen from far away. The semi was carrying approximately 1000 gallons of diesel fuel and 7500 gallons of gasoline. The fuel was leaking to both directions of the highway so there were flames on both sides of the Turnpike. For safety reasons, firefighters and FHP shut down the highway in both directions.

PBCFR’s Special Operations Team, which specializes in HazMat (hazardous materials) and Technical Rescues had command of the scene. Firefighters quickly built a dam to contain the fuel and keep the fire from spreading further.  They attacked the flames with water and foam to blanket and smother the fire. This took some time due to the massive amount of fuel. PBCFR had 18 units/trucks on the scene with dozens of firefighters to mitigate this massive fire. Once the fire was completely out and the area was deemed safe, PBCFR worked with FHP to open the roads back up. The DEP and DOT will be on scene assessing damages. Expect delays to continue throughout the morning.

UPDATE FROM FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL:

The fuel tanker was northbound on SR 91 in the inside lane. 

For unknown reasons, the vehicle collided with the concrete barrier wall on the left shoulder.  The driver exited the truck and the truck caught fire.  The driver is on scene and refused medical treatment.  The State Warning point has been notified. 

All southbound lanes opened end and southbound traffic diversion at exit 92 was cleared at 8:35 AM.

Northbound outside lane opened and northbound traffic diversion at exit 86 was cleared at 9:35 AM.

All northbound lanes opened at 12:02 PM.