Pennsylvania

‘Nightmare’ as huge fire collapses I-95 overpass in Philadelphia. See the destruction

A section of Interstate 95 collapsed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a large vehicle fire, officials say.
A section of Interstate 95 collapsed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after a large vehicle fire, officials say. Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.

A section of highway has collapsed in Philadelphia after a blistering vehicle fire, Pennsylvania video shows.

Early reports are that a tanker truck burst into flames underneath an elevated section of U.S. Interstate 95 in the morning on June 11, the City of Philadelphia said in a news release. Though firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, a large concrete slab collapsed overhead.

Photos and video captured at the scene show a large fire and massive plume of smoke, as well as the charred remains of the fallen section of I-95.

No injuries have been reported, but I-95 is a vital corridor. Officials have closed the roadway while they assess the extent of the damage, and investigate its cause.

“Multiple City and state agencies are responding to address impacts to residents in the area and travelers affected by the road closure,” the release said.

Motorists are being told to find alternative routes, and Philadelphia residents are being told to expect delays for services like garbage pickup.

The alarming collapse has caught the attention of local and state leaders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

“Lt. Governor Austin Davis and I are closely coordinating with partners in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and the federal government and we will share more information as we have it,” Shapiro said. “For now, please avoid the area and follow the direction of the first responders on the scene.”

This story was originally published June 11, 2023 at 1:02 PM with the headline "‘Nightmare’ as huge fire collapses I-95 overpass in Philadelphia. See the destruction."

MW
Mitchell Willetts
The State
Mitchell Willetts is a real-time news reporter covering the central U.S. for McClatchy. He is a University of Oklahoma graduate and outdoors enthusiast living in Texas.
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