Tractor-trailer crash jams ups traffic on 195 in East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE— A tractor-trailer carrying fuel jackknifed and crashed over the barrier snarling traffic on both sides Saturday, May 6, on a stretch of Interstate 195 between onramps at Pawtucket and Warren Avenues.

Rhode Island State Police said that there were no injuries, though ambulances were seen to be making runs according to witnesses.

The truck lost control, jackknifed and crashed over the median, blocking westbound and eastbound sides of I-195 around 11:30 a.m.

As of 1 p.m., traffic was still slow and blocked due to crews still cleaning up the crash. The scene was not cleared for quite some time.

State Police Captain Matthew Moynihan said the truck, driven by Ababacar Diouf, 39, 165 Trenton St., Pawtucket, was headed west on I-195 when it struck the median just prior to the George Washington Bridge. The vehicle came to rest atop the concrete barrier, with the cab hanging over the edge of the barrier, in the eastbound high-speed lane.

A car heading east was struck by a piece of the truck as it came over the barrier, Captain Moynihan said. It sustained minor damage and the motorist was able to drive it from the scene.

State Police closed all but one lane of traffic on both the westbound and eastbound lanes after the accident while crews worked to remove the truck and clean up the resulting fuel and oil spill. All eastbound lanes were open about 2:30 p.m. The truck was finally removed from the scene and all westbound lanes were reopened by 3:15 p.m.

Captain Moynihan said the cause of the crash is still under investigation. The truck driver was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The truck is registered to J. Anthony Express of Maine, with a local address of 55 Industrial Way, Seekonk.

Also at the scene were East Providence Police, East Providence Fire and the State Department of Transportation.