UPDATE: Northbound Lanes of Pennyrile Reopen After Tanker Truck Fire
By: Tabnie Dozier
Updated: January 14, 2013
Northbound lanes in a portion of the Pennyrile Parkway are finally back open after a tanker truck catches fire. The accident happened around the 49 mile marker of the Pennyrile near the Slaughters, Kentucky exit. Still no word on how the truck carrying hydrochloric acid caught fire, southbound lanes remain closed at this hour. I think its ridiculous doesn't close both sides of the road say driver William Powell. This wreck caused headaches for hundreds of drivers, forced to choose another route. Powell says, "We take Highway 41 South and on the other side of Slaughters we got bumper to bumper." Bob Bridges lives in Hopkins county and tells us, "Going wasn't a problem, coming back is the problem, its alot of traffic." For those heading to work, this standstill traffic added up to an hour to their normal commute. Many in Western Kentucky say the Pennyrile is one of the most traveled roads, but accidents like this are unpredictable and unavoidable. Bridges says, "Its frustrating, but that's life what are you gonna do, you can get mad but that's just part of it sometimes." The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says safety is of a top concern, so for those moving slowly, patience is truly a virtue. Officials say thanks to the quick-thinking driver and first responders they were able to put out the fire quickly and prevent a much more disastrous situation.
