Portion of Mass. Pike closed after tanker accident

HOPKINTON --A tractor-trailer accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike has closed a lengthy portion of the highway in both directions.

The truck carrying liquid methane rolled over on the westbound side of the turnpike at about 8:30 a.m., just before the Exit 11A: I-495 in Hopkinton.

State Police Sergeant David Paine said none of the potentially flammable cargo has leaked from the tanker. But the danger has prompted officials to close approximately 17 miles of highway.

The closure is westbound at Exit 12, leading to Route 9, and eastbound at Exit 10A, leading to I-290.

Paine says a second tanker is being brought to the scene to offload the material. He says authorities are hoping to re-open the highway in time for the evening rush hour. For now, motorists are advised to avoid the area at all costs.

The truck driver, whose name and employer has not been released, suffered minor injuries in the crash.