A collision involving a car and a fuel tanker triggered a large fire on the southbound lanes of Interstate-471 in Newport late Friday night, forcing authorities to shut the entire stretch of the highway.

The City of Newport said the incident reportedly took place at around 10:10 pm (local time) close to the Memorial Parkway exit.

Officials reported that the tanker overturned following the crash. Fuel from the vehicle reportedly ignited soon after, and the blaze spread rapidly across the area, prompting a major emergency response from multiple fire and rescue teams.

According to a statement from the City of Newport, two children aged six and twelve were taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with minor injuries. An adult woman travelling in the same car was also taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries, WLWT reported.

Accroding to reports, the tanker driver, a 47-year-old man, received medical attention at the scene and was later released. No further injuries were reported.

Emergency officials also stated that flames reportedly travelled through the highway’s drainage network and reached the sewer system below. However, authorities said no major structural damage was recorded.

All southbound lanes of Interstate-471 were closed as fire crews worked to control the blaze and manage the situation. Officials said the highway will remain shut until clean-up operations are completed.

Campbell County Emergency Management, state highway authorities and several other emergency departments responded to the incident.