Deadly Crash Closes Escambia Bay Bridge

Florida Pensacola Eastbound lanes were closed for more than five hours after a fiery crash invovling an 18-wheeler. One person was killed in a separate crash in the westbund lanes.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Thu, June 04, 2009 - 3:53 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, June 04, 2009 - 10:13 pm CST

10:37 p.m.
The eastbound lanes have reopened.

8:11 p.m.
Florida Highway patrol says the westbound lanes have reopened,

7:12 p.m.
Eastbound traffic is being diverted onto Highway 90 (Scenic Hwy). Westbound traffic is being diverted at Avalon Blvd.

The westbound side of the bridge is expected to reopen in about an hour. The eastbound side will take much longer because DOT crews must see what kind of damage the fire did.

4:53 p.m.
I-10 at the Escambia Bay Bridge is closed in both directions because of two separate crashes involving an 18-wheeler and 8 vehicles.

A spokesperson for Santa Rosa County says the first wreck happened around 4:15 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the bridge. It involved a big rig and three vehicles. The 18-wheeler, which is carrying oyster shells, caught on fire. One patient was transported to Santa Rosa Medical Center in stable condition.

About 40 minutes later, three cars were involved in an accident on the westbound side of the bridge. One person was killed in that crash. One person was transported to Baptist Hospital and another to Sacred Heart Hospital, both in stable condition.

The interstate is expected to be closed for several hours. Traffic is being diverted to Hwy 90. Drivers should expect long delays.

Once the wreckage is cleared, the Florida Department of Transportation will inspect the bridge to determine if its safe for travel and when it will reopen.

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