The "tragic accident" unfolded when a passenger car's tire blew out.

A fuel tanker truck rolled over on the Gold Star Bridge in Groton, Connecticut, on Friday, sparking a massive fire and shutting down traffic on Interstate 95.

The "tragic accident" unfolded when a passenger car's tire blew out and the tractor trailer truck then "went over, spilling about 2,200 gallons of fuel" and creating "billowing smoke" and "incredible flames," Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said at a news conference.

The driver of the truck died at the scene and two people have been taken to hospitals, New London Mayor Michael Passero said. Their injuries don't appear life-threatening, Lamont said, adding, "My heart goes out to the family of the truck driver."

The Gold Star Bridge in Groton, Conn., is shut down after a fuel tanker truck rolled over, on April 21, 2023.Connecticut State Police

Some of the fuel spilled into the Thames River, the governor said, adding that teams are working to contain the spill.

Both sides of Interstate 95 were closed due to the collision. The northbound side has since reopened, but the southbound side will remain closed for "quite some time," according to Connecticut State Police.

This photo provided by Angelique Feliciano shows people embracing as firefighters and police respond after a crash involving a fuel truck and a car sparked a fire on the Gold Star Bridge between New Londo...Show moreAngelique Feliciano via AP

This photo provided by Angelique Feliciano shows firefighters and police responding after a crash involving a fuel truck and a car sparked a fire on the Gold Star Bridge between New London and Groton, Conn., on April 21, 2023.

Sourec: ABC News