Portion Of Interstate 95 Collapses In Philadelphia After Tanker Fire Burns Under Overpass

Several lanes of the northbound side of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia collapsed following a tanker truck fire underneath an overpass.

The fire erupted just before 6:30 a.m. in the Tacony area of the city, specifically on the off-ramp to Cottman Avenue, directly below I-95. Chopper 6 footage captured the aftermath, revealing that the northbound lanes had been reduced to debris.

Authorities have confirmed that the southbound lanes have also been compromised as a result of the incident.

Due to the extensive damage, all lanes between the Woodhaven and Aramingo exits have been closed, leading to a complete shutdown of the highway.

As of now, there is no information regarding any injuries or involvement of other vehicles in the incident.

Emergency crews are actively working to bring the fire under control. The contents of the tanker truck and the cause of the fire are yet to be determined.

The fire has caused manhole explosions in the surrounding area, adding to the complexities of the situation. Authorities are urging everyone to avoid the scene for safety reasons.

Officials have provided updates on the incident, emphasizing that the extent of the damage will have long-term effects on the region. Dominick Mireles, the director of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, acknowledged the significant impact, stating, “Today’s going to be a long day. Obviously, with 95 northbound gone and southbound questionable, it’s going to be even longer.”

Multiple agencies are involved in the response to the crash, with concerns raised about potential runoff due to the proximity of the incident to the Delaware River.

Given the circumstances, the accident is being treated as a hazardous materials (hazmat) situation. Health officials will assess the environmental impact resulting from the incident.

{Matzav.com}