Indiana overpass fire: Dramatic blaze after fuel truck overturns in middle of packed highway

Tanker carrying 4,000 gallons of jet fuel sent flames across two lanes of interstate

A tanker truck carrying 4,000 gallons of jet fuel overturned on an interstate highway ramp in Indiana, sending flames and thick smoke above an overpass.

According to Indiana State Police, three good Samaritans pulled the driver from the wreckage. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition after suffering from burns, according to police.

The truck was on Interstate 465 heading to Interstate 70 on the east side when the diver lost control on the curve of the onramp and hit a retaining wall, which caused the truck to overturn.

Sgt John Perrine with Indiana State Police warned that the accident will require "a very extended clean-up". Interstate 70 was closed for several hours as crews used a crane to lift the truck from the road in pieces.

The Indiana Department of Transportation has warned drivers to stay away from the area after the truck's smouldering, partially melted remains are moved off the road.

Officials said the fire caused widespread damage across a nearby overpass as crews cleared the site and determined whether the road was safe to open.

Sharing footage of the damage, Department of Transportation engineer Brian Harvey said "everything you're looking at here has to be moved, and then they have to bring a sweeper vehicle to sweep up all the loose material. And then we will have to make an evaluation at that time how extensive the deck's damaged and how much further work needs done before we can open it".