Philadelphia I-95 overpass collapses from tanker blaze

A section of I-95 collapsed in Philadelphia on Sunday morning after a tanker truck burst into flames, police said.

The massive smoky blaze broke around 6:30 a.m. on Cottman Avenue right beneath an Interstate 95 northbound overpass, parts of which were reduced to rubble as the stretch of the major highway collapsed, ABC reports.

“Today’s going to be a long day,” said Dominick Mireles, director of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management, at a press conference. “And obviously with 95 northbound gone and southbound questionable, it’s going to be even longer than that. The roadway’s gone.”

Philadelphia Fire Department Captain Derrick Bowmer said the burning truck also led to explosions underground, with flames coming out of manholes that were blown off.

Mireles said the scene remained active Sunday, with the destruction likely to impact the region for a long time.

A section of Interstate 95 collapsed in Philadelphia during a tanker truck fire Sunday.
WPVI

The flames broke out at around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday underneath the overpass.
The flames broke out around 6:30 a.m. Sunday underneath the overpass.
James F. Devito

The destroyed section of the highway is expected to impact traffic for the whole region.
The destroyed section of the highway is expected to impact traffic for the whole region for awhile.
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement that he has been briefed on the situation and urged residents to steer clear of that section of the highway.

“For now, please avoid the area and follow the direction of the first responders on the scene,” Shapiro said.

The city is treating the incident as a hazmat situation, with health officials working to determinethe environmental impacts of the blaze and runoff.


The fire has also spread underground, causing explosions beneath Philadelphia.
The fire has also spread underground, causing explosions beneath Philadelphia.
James F. Devito

Firefighters are at the scene working to extinguish the flames above and below ground.
Firefighters are at the scene working to extinguish the flames above and below ground.
James F. Devito

Officials have yet to announce the cause of the fire or if anyone was injured in the incident.

Philadelphia’s police and fire department did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

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