Tanker Truck Fire Shuts Down I-75 in Henry County, Georgia After Bridge Collision

Modified Date: 
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 9:08am
Accident Date: 
Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Tanker truck collides with bridge, catches fire on I-75 in Henry County(link is external)

The truck collided with the bridge near Bethlehem Road, shutting down the interstate for several hours.

A hazardous incident unfolded on Interstate 75 in Henry County, Georgia, when a tanker truck collided with the Bethlehem Road bridge and erupted into flames on Wednesday evening. The crash occurred south of Blacksville in Henry County, prompting authorities to implement an immediate closure of all lanes on I-75 in both directions. Emergency response teams from Henry County Fire Department and local law enforcement quickly mobilized to the scene to manage the fire and assess structural damage to the bridge. While the dramatic collision and subsequent fire caused significant traffic disruption, preliminary reports indicate there were no injuries reported in the incident. The interstate remained closed for several hours as hazmat teams and emergency responders worked to contain the situation and ensure public safety, before eventually reopening to traffic.

The collision site at the Bethlehem Road bridge overpass represents a crucial junction in Henry County's transportation infrastructure. This section of I-75 serves as a major freight corridor connecting Atlanta's southern suburbs to Macon and carries significant commercial traffic. The Bethlehem Road bridge crossing provides essential local access for Locust Grove residents and connects to key commercial areas. Daily traffic patterns in this area typically include heavy commuter presence during peak hours, combined with steady commercial vehicle movement throughout the day. The location sits approximately 35 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta and is surrounded by rapidly developing residential and commercial areas.

Under Georgia law, accidents involving commercial vehicles fall under specific regulatory frameworks governed by both state and federal transportation regulations. Commercial carriers must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage meeting minimum federal requirements, which can become particularly relevant in cases involving infrastructure damage. Georgia's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of incident for filing personal injury claims and four years for property damage claims. In cases involving public infrastructure damage, additional considerations may apply regarding governmental claims processes. Potential compensation areas typically include property damage, infrastructure repair costs, environmental cleanup expenses, and any personal injury damages if applicable. Insurance claims in tanker incidents often involve multiple coverage types, including commercial liability, cargo coverage, and environmental damage policies. An experienced Henry County personal injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

  • Henry County Fire Department: (770) 288-6600
  • Henry County Emergency Management Agency: (770) 288-7600
  • Georgia Department of Transportation District 3 Office: (770) 986-1011
  • Georgia State Patrol Post 47 (Henry County): (770) 254-7201
  • Georgia Department of Public Safety Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: (404) 624-7211
  • Georgia Department of Transportation Bridge Maintenance Office: (404) 631-1000
  • Georgia Emergency Management Agency Hazardous Materials Program: (404) 635-7000
  • Henry County Traffic Safety Resource Center: (770) 288-7600
Topics: 
Fire
Roadway: 
Interstate 75