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Interstate 15 southbound is shut down after a diesel tanker burst into flames

(Photo courtesy Salt Lake City Fire Department) A diesel tanker burst into flames after an accident early Friday morning, shutting down southbound I-15.

Friday’s early-morning commute into Salt Lake City was a mess after a diesel tanker crashed and burst into flames at 1300 South about 1 a.m. on Interstate 15.

According to a spokesman for the Salt Lake City Fire Department, the tanker truck — which was carrying 8,000 gallons of fuel — collided with a Honda Civic. The accident caused the truck to roll over onto its side and burst into flames, a fire that took about two hours to extinguish.

According to the Utah Highway Patrol, neither driver was seriously injured; both were transported to an area hospital as a precaution.

I-15 southbound was closed from 400 South to 2100 South. By about 7:20 a.m., the two southbound lanes and the southbound collector ramp were re-opened; other lanes are closed from approximately 1000 South to 1900 South.

According to UDOT spokesman John Gleason, crews have to repair 12 to 13 concrete panels and replace 333 feet of concrete barrier. “We will also assess damage to the drainage system caused by an explosion when gas from the tanker leaked into the pipes,"” he tweeted.

Crews were working on a temporary patch on Friday; a permanent fix will have to wait until temperatures are warmer.

All lanes on I-15 were expected to be reopened sometime Friday afternoon.