Westbound LIE Closed After Tanker Fire

Melville Fire Department volunteers were among a phalanx of police and fire vehicles that responded Tuesday night to a tanker fire on the Long Island Expressway in Dix Hills. (Long Islander News photo/Danny Schrafel)

The westbound Long Island Expressway remains closed at exit 50 in Dix Hills hours after a fuel tanker carrying 12,000 gallons of fuel caught fire.

Police said the driver noticed what appeared to be a mechanical issue and pulled over at approximately 8:30 p.m. As he pulled over just west of the exit, the truck went on fire, according to officials.

There was no crash or explosion, police said, and no injuries were reported.

Suffolk County Police initially closed traffic in all directions; eastbound traffic reopened at 9:15 p.m.

A phalanx of police vehicles blocked westbound traffic near the incident location, resulting in a miles-long traffic jam on the westbound LIE as cars are being diverted off the expressway.

A police spokesperson confirmed shortly after 11 p.m. that the westbound LIE was still closed.

-SCHRAFEL