The westbound lanes on Highway 40 are still closed and engineers specializing in structure, concrete, pavement and more are onsite to inspect the damage after a truck exploded Tuesday afternoon, killing one man.
Transports Quebec officials were on the Metropolitan as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“We have to move the truck and once that is done, we will have to continue the inspection process,” said Sarah Bensadoun, a spokesperson with Transports Quebec.
“After, we can figure out the work that has to be done to open the highway.”
The eastbound lanes have been reopened, following a structural inspection by engineers, the Sûreté du Québec and the Montreal fire department.
READ MORE: ‘It’s like the apocalypse,’ one dead after fiery accident on Highway 40
“They were able to inspect below and on top and there is no structural damage. Only the pavement has to be done in certain places,” said Bensadoun, adding that damages on the east side are minor compared to the westbound lanes.
WATCH: Amateur video captures fiery aftermath of truck explosion in Montreal
Bensadoun said officials are working to figure out how the accident happened, but could not comment on the speed of the truck.
Traffic at the time was busy, but not congested.
So far, there is no estimate as to when the entire highway will reopen.
“It won’t be open in the next few hours, that’s for sure,” Bensadoun said.
“We will not compromise safety for commuters.”
There are no traffic restrictions on streets surrounding the Metropolitan.
rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
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