On May 24, 2024, a three-car pileup in the eastbound lane of Boston’s Ted Williams Tunnel led to an explosive fire that disrupted traffic and caused major delays as Memorial Day weekend began. The accident occurred around 4 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Boston Fire Department.
The collision took place directly inside the tunnel, which serves as a crucial thoroughfare for vehicles traveling towards Logan International Airport. As a result of the impact, the flames quickly spread to all three vehicles involved in the crash, releasing thick black smoke that filled the tunnel and prompted some drivers to abandon their cars and seek safety outside.
Firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the blaze; however, photographs taken at the scene reveal the extent of the damage, with two of the vehicles and the front end of a third being completely destroyed. The firefighting efforts were somewhat hampered by one of the cars involved being a hybrid vehicle, which required extra time to fully extinguish the flames.
In total, six individuals who were riding in the three affected vehicles were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the incident. The cause of the crash and subsequent fire remains under investigation by local authorities, who are working to determine which vehicle was responsible for igniting the blaze.
Following the accident, the Ted Williams Tunnel was closed for several hours to allow for cleanup and repairs. During this time, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation advised drivers to seek alternative routes in order to avoid further congestion along this vital Boston thoroughfare.
The tunnel, named after legendary Boston Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams, has been a significant part of the city’s infrastructure since its opening in 1995 as part of the massive “Big Dig” project. This ambitious undertaking revamped and modernized the network of roads, bridges, and tunnels that connect downtown Boston to various other areas throughout the metropolitan region.
