I-95 collapse: Tanker fire under Philadelphia overpass closes interstate highway

#Fire #Firebreaks #highway

A portion of Interstate 95 northbound in Philadelphia has collapsed due to a tanker fire burning underneath the overpass
All the lanes on the highway are currently closed
After the collapse, drivers were told to avoid the area

Written By:Pritha Paul

Updated: June 11 2023 12:54:51 PM ET

A portion of Interstate 95 northbound in Philadelphia has collapsed due to a tanker fire burning underneath the overpass.

All the lanes on the highway are currently closed. A video taken by a motorist before the collapse when the highway was still operational showed thick black smoke coming out from under the overpass on both sides. Here is the video:

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Major fire on 95 North approaching Cottman @FOX29philly @CBSPhiladelphia @NBCPhiladelphia looks like the grass is on fire pic.twitter.com/PKbUYkrWLn
— Sgt. Mark Fusetti (Retired) (@MarkFusetti) June 11, 2023

The fire started under the overpass at 6:30 am Sunday between Exit 32 for Academy Road and Exit 30 for Cottman Avenue

The fire broke out just after 6 a.m. Sunday between Exit 32 for Academy Road and Exit 30 for Cottman Avenue in the Tacony section of the city. After the collapse, drivers were told to avoid the area. Motorists already on the interstate were forced to turn around.

🚨#UPDATE: Helicopter footage reveals extensive damage from a fire and potential explosion that caused sections of I-95 to collapse. A two-mile radius around the highway has been cordoned off. Authorities are urging caution near manhole covers, as some have been exploding. pic.twitter.com/EIIqz3Hpi7
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 11, 2023

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Crews were able to get the fire under control. as of 7:30 am, there were assessing the damage left behind in the structure of the highway. There was no word about anyone being injured in the incident.

After a tractor-trailer fire started under an I-95 overpass, it began spreading above. I-95 is expected to remain shut for an extended period of time.