Tractor-Trailer Truck Crashes Into Median on I-195 Causing Lane Closures for More Three Hours

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – A tractor-trailer truck crashed into the median on Interstate
195 around 11:30 a.m. today, causing lanes on both sides of the highway to be closed
for more than three hours as crews worked to remove the truck from atop the concrete
barrier.

Captain Matthew Moynihan said the truck, driven by Ababacar Diouf, 39, 165 Trenton
St., Pawtucket, was headed west on I-195 when it struck the median just west of the
George Washington Bridge. The vehicle came to rest atop the concrete barrier, with
the cab hanging over the edge of the barrier, in the eastbound high-speed lane.

A car heading east was struck by a piece of the truck as it came over the barrier,
Captain Moynihan said. It sustained minor damage and the motorist was able to drive
it from the scene.

Rhode Island State Police closed all but one lane of traffic on both the westbound
and eastbound lanes after the accident while crews worked to remove the truck and
clean up the resulting fuel and oil spill. All eastbound lanes were open about 2:30
p.m. The truck was finally removed from the scene and all westbound lanes were
reopened by 3:15 p.m.

Captain Moynihan said the cause of the crash is still under investigation. The truck
driver was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The truck is
registered to J. Anthony Express of Maine, with a local address of 55 Industrial
Way, Seekonk.

Assisting Rhode Island State Police at the scene were East Providence Police, East
Providence Fire and the state Department of Transportation.