Tanker Truck Accident Causes Major Traffic Disruptions in Firminy

A serious traffic incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, in Firminy, France, when a tanker truck overturned and landed on a roundabout near a local restaurant. The accident took place at approximately 4:55 p.m. as the vehicle was traveling toward Saint-Étienne on the RN88 highway.

According to reports, the driver lost control of the truck at the number 14 exit ramp, leading the vehicle to tumble onto the roundabout located several meters below the roadway. Witnesses at the scene immediately rushed to assist the driver, helping him exit the cab before emergency responders arrived.

The driver was reported to have sustained minor injuries and was subsequently transported to Le Corbusier Hospital in Firminy for treatment. The incident mobilized approximately twenty firefighters, who faced the complex task of securing the site due to the nature of the truck's cargo.

Authorities identified the presence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) within the tanker, which created significant concerns regarding a potential explosion. To mitigate this risk, emergency crews were required to transfer the hazardous material into a second tanker truck before they could safely upright and remove the damaged vehicle.

The accident caused extensive traffic congestion, affecting both the RN88 and surrounding streets in Firminy. As a safety precaution, officials closed a twenty-kilometer stretch of the RN88, with the impact of the closure extending into the neighboring Haute-Loire region.

Following the successful evacuation of the tanker and the completion of safety operations, the prefecture of the Loire authorized the reopening of the affected roads. Traffic flow returned to normal on the morning of Thursday, November 5, shortly after 7:00 a.m.