Commuters in Fall River faced a blazing nightmare this morning as a tanker truck inferno prompted the shutdown of Braga Bridge, causing traffic chaos along the eastbound lanes of Rt. 195. The conflagration erupted shortly after 11 a.m. as a tractor-trailer became engulfed in flames just before the bridge approached, according to a Massachusetts State Police post on X.
All eastbound lanes of the Braga Bridge (Rt 195) in Fall River are currently closed as a result of a tractor-trailer on fire. We will update when more info is available. #MATraffic #fallriver
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) November 29, 2023
Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes as all the eastbound lanes were initially closed to allow emergency services to battle the flames. However, in a turn of good fortune for the rush-hour crowd, NBC Boston reported that one lane was mercifully reopened around 11:42 a.m., offering some respite from the standstill.
The Braga Bridge, which spans the Taunton River and serves as a vital link for the South Coast to the rest of Massachusetts, was at the heart of potential danger as the flames threatened its structural integrity. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, as fire crews were quick to respond to the combustion before it could wreak more havoc.
Details regarding the cause of the fiery spectacle remain scarce, as investigations are still underway. Meanwhile, commuters continue to face delays, with traffic backed up for miles. The state police have yet to provide an estimation for when the Braga Bridge will fully reopen, leaving many to ponder the fragility of our daily journeys, which can be so easily disrupted by the unexpected.
