The black cloud could be seen miles away, billowing for almost an hour Monday after a deadly tanker-truck crash on a months-old ramp connecting Route 33 and Interstate 270 in Dublin.

The tanker's driver died in the crash, Dublin police say, but his identity was still being confirmed Monday and had not been released. The tanker was carrying up to 8,000 gallons of gasoline when it rammed into a guardrail about 10:30 a.m. and flipped onto its side. The resulting fire's heat turned the vehicle into a charred shell and melted parts of the concrete deck on the "flyover" ramp connecting motorists coming from Marysville to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 270.

Dublin police Lt. Steve Farmer said the fire probably sparked when the truck hit the guardrail. Gasoline ignited by the crash spilled down the ramp and over the side, spawning several grass fires.

Traffic was backed up for hours after the crash, which shut down both 33 and 270 in both directions. Motorists watched in horror; some shared smartphone videos and photos of the fiery aftermath. Nearby workers and residents worried about air quality as the choking smoke wafted south.

The traffic issues will continue as the ramp is expected to remain closed for up to a week for repairs. ODOT emphasizes that's an estimate because its engineers and inspectors need to inspect the section of bridge deck that was covered up for most of the day Monday by the wreckage. A contractor will begin work this morning cleaning up debris so the inspection work can begin.

The posted detour for the closed ramp is 33 eastbound to 270 southbound, then exit at Tuttle Crossing Boulevard to get to 270 northbound.

Why the accident occurred might never be known, said Dublin police Cpl. Tom Gallagher, supervisor of crash investigations.

"I never say never. But with 100 percent certainty, it's going to be difficult because, unfortunately, the motorist who knows the most is the decedent."

Ohio Department of Transportation cameras, witnesses and other evidence might provide clues.

Jack Marchbanks, director of ODOT District 6, offered general condolences over the driver's death but noted "our priority after that is that we keep our roadways safe."

Jim Barna, ODOT's chief engineer, said the curved ramp was designed to handle large trucks at normal speeds.

"Unfortunately, accidents happen, and we have to deal with the consequences," Barna said.

The posted legal speed limit on the ramp is 55 mph, but there is also an advisory sign cautioning motorists to slow down to 40 mph on the ramp, said ODOT spokeswoman Nancy Burton.

Dublin police Cpl. Mike McCaskey said the ramp, which opened in October, "has actually done quite well" with few accidents. "This is very unusual," he said.

Farmer said he was in his office at Dublin Police headquarters, less than a quarter-mile away, when he saw the smoke.

"There was a large plume. I knew it was something significant," he said.

When he arrived at the site, the flames had been knocked down, but he was told to be cautious because searing pavement could burn feet.

Inside the Crowne Plaza hotel directly south of the blaze, guests were huddled in rooms.

Ryan Hutchison, who was working the front desk, said he heard the commotion and walked to a window.

"The whole sky was black, and there were flames above the trees. It was really loud, like fireworks," he said.

A similar crash and fire involving an overturned tanker damaged the eastbound Interstate 70 bridge over Interstate 270 on the West Side in July 2015. Steel bars warped, compromising the integrity of the structure, which cost about $1 million to replace.

dnarciso@dispatch.com

@DeanNarciso



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