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Driver Cited for Tanker Truck Explosion on the West Side

A tankr truck carrying 8,000 gallons of ethanol crashes and explodes on the westside freeway.

A tanker truck explosion and fire during morning rush hour caused closure of a portion of Interstate 70 at the west outerbelt. 

Ohio Department of Transportation spokeswoman, Nancy Burton, says the bridge was badly damaged by the tanker explosion and fire.

" The tanker was carrying 8,000 gallons of ethanol. It is from a visual inspection you can see concrete as well as steel re-bar that is hanging from the bridge," Burton said.

Burton says eastbound I-70 traffic is diverted  onto West Broad Street at State route 142. West bound I-70 traffic  is detoured to I-270 north.  

Structural engineers will have to examine the bridge to determine whether its safe for traffic. 

Columbus Police cited 50-year old Charles Lackings of Beavercreek for failure to control his vehicle and transporting hazardous material within city limits