Fiery Accident Causes Chaos in Boston’s Big Dig Tunnel
On Friday afternoon, firefighters in Boston responded to a multi-vehicle fire inside the tunnel ramp leading to the eastbound side of the Ted Williams Tunnel. The incident involving three vehicles resulted in a chaotic scene as people fled their cars and smoke billowed from the tunnel’s ventilation buildings.
5 Key Points
- Three vehicles caught fire after an accident inside the Big Dig tunnel ramp.
- Six people were inside the vehicles, transporting three to local hospitals.
- Travelers fled their cars as smoke filled the tunnel, causing panic.
- Firefighters extinguished the flames, but one hybrid vehicle took longer to put out.
- The incident led to road closures and anticipated delays, especially for those heading to Logan Airport.
Accident Leads to Vehicle Fires
The Boston Fire Department reported that just after 4 p.m. on Friday, they responded to a fire involving three vehicles inside the ramp connecting Interstate 93 northbound with the Mass Pike eastbound, just before the Ted Williams Tunnel. According to state police, several people got out of their car and fled, which led to additional vehicles catching fire.
Deputy Chief James Greene stated that six people were inside the vehicles, three of whom were transported to Boston area hospitals for treatment.
Travelers Flee as Smoke Fills Tunnel
While traveling to Logan Airport with her family, Shaunna Lai described the frightening experience. “We heard a bunch of loud bangs,” Lai said. “Next thing we know, we see … people running toward us out of their cars and saying, ‘Get out, get out of here, get out of here’ screaming.”
Lai and her family left their cars open and ran out of the tunnel with other travelers. She described seeing complete darkness, which appeared to be smoke from the tunnel.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze
The Boston Fire Department shared photos from inside the tunnel after the fire, revealing severe damage to the three vehicles. Firefighters quickly extinguished two of the cars, but the third, a hybrid vehicle, took longer to put out.
Video footage from Sky 5 showed smoke emanating from one of the ventilation buildings near Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood.
Road Closures and Anticipated Delays
MassDOT announced that two off-ramps from I-93 northbound, the HOV eastbound ramp and the Frontage Road ramp, would remain closed for several hours. The closure is expected to last into the evening as inspectors evaluate the pavement and other roadway assets for potential repairs.
Travelers heading toward Boston’s Logan Airport, particularly those from Interstate 93 northbound, should anticipate severe delays and stoppages due to the incident.
Boston Tunnel Car Accident FAQ
Do I qualify for a car accident lawsuit?
To see if you qualify for a car accident lawsuit.
How many vehicles were involved in the Big Dig tunnel ramp fire?
Three vehicles inside the tunnel ramp were involved in the fire.
Were any injuries reported from the vehicle fires?
Six people were inside the vehicles, and three of them were transported to Boston area hospitals for treatment.
What caused the vehicles to catch fire?
According to state police, several people got out of their car and fled after an accident, which led to additional vehicles catching fire.
How long is the closure of the affected off-ramps expected to last?
The closure of the HOV eastbound ramp and the Frontage Road ramp from I-93 northbound is expected to last into the evening.
What should travelers heading to Logan Airport expect due to the incident?
Travelers heading to Logan Airport, especially those from Interstate 93 northbound, should anticipate severe delays and stoppages.
Citation:
1. Ganley, S. (2023, May 6). Vehicles catch fire inside Boston Big Dig ramp approaching Ted Williams Tunnel. WCVB.
