Philadelphia, PA – A section of a crucial highway on the East Coast collapsed in Philadelphia following a fire ignited by a gasoline-carrying tanker truck underneath an overpass, according to city and federal officials on Sunday.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as stated by city officials, Reuters reported.
Smoke engulfed the collapsed portion of the northbound lanes of I-95, a vital interstate highway running along the East Coast from Miami in the south to the Canadian border in Maine. This highway serves as a major north-south route, connecting cities such as Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia.
Videos captured the presence of emergency vehicles and workers near the extensively damaged and charred overpass. Traffic in both directions of the eight-lane highway came to a standstill due to concerns about the stability of the remaining southbound lanes.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced its intention to dispatch a team to investigate the gasoline tanker truck fire and subsequent overpass collapse.
President Joe Biden received a briefing on the incident, and the White House expressed its willingness to provide assistance to local authorities, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the significant impact the closure of I-95 would have on the region and the city of Philadelphia. In a tweet, Buttigieg stated that he was coordinating with regional leaders to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts.
This particular segment of I-95 runs through the densely populated northeastern section of Philadelphia, connecting the city to its northern suburbs, including Bucks County. On Sundays during the summer, it is frequently used by beachgoers returning from the Jersey Shore. During weekdays, it experiences heavy traffic from commuters and vehicles traveling to destinations such as Boston, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia Fire Battalion Chief Derek Bowmer reported that firefighters confronted a large fire originating from a vehicle. “We attempted to extinguish the fire… We escalated the response to a hazmat box due to reports suggesting it could be a tanker or something similar,” Bowmer stated.
Recovery efforts are expected to be time-consuming, with crews diligently assessing the potential damage to fuel or gas lines resulting from the accident. Dominick Mireles, the director of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management, expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the incident due to its proximity to the Delaware River.
Officials advised travelers to anticipate delays and encouraged them to plan alternate routes and utilize public transportation for their commutes.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
