A key stretch of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia is closed for the foreseeable future after a fire from a tanker truck led to the collapse of the roadway.
The Sunday morning fire was reported just after 6:30 in the northbound lanes near the Cottman Avenue ramp in Northeast Philadelphia.
After the fire started, explosions could be heard in surrounding neighborhoods, including reports of manhole coverings being blown off. Fire department officials have said the incident could have compromised extra fuel or gas lines.
Tons of steel and concrete will have to be removed from the damaged section of the roadway. Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management says city, state, and possibly even federal agencies will be tasked with rebuilding the interstate after the debris is cleared.
“It will have a significant impact on the community for a while,” said Tumar Alexander, Philadelphia’s Managing Director.
How the closing will affect traffic along I-95 in Delaware remains unclear.
Click on the headline below for the full story from WHYY
Section of Interstate 95 closed in Philadelphia after fire beneath overpass causes collapse
