Tanker truck fire on the Will Rogers Turnpike damages the highway

An early morning accident closed the Will Rogers Turnpike between the Big Cabin and Vinita exits for most of the day Tuesday. <br/><br/>The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a tanker truck traveling eastbound

Tuesday, April 4th 2006, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

An early morning accident closed the Will Rogers Turnpike between the Big Cabin and Vinita exits for most of the day Tuesday.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a tanker truck traveling eastbound blew a tire and hit a mini van traveling the same direction. The mini van ran off the road and hit the ditch. The semi hit the center concrete barrier, flipped over, and caught fire.

That fire burned so hot, it destroyed the road. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews worked all day Tuesday to repair the concrete section of the road damage by the fire.

Traffic was diverted off the Will Rogers Turnpike at Big Cabin and Adair. The driver of the semi truck and the four occupants of the van are all okay.

The turnpike was reopened to traffic in both directions shortly after 8 PM Tuesday.