What Happened on I 95 Today in Philadelphia? I-95 Collapse Update
by Swetha P | Updated Jun 12, 2023
What Happened on I 95 Today in Philadelphia?
Interstate 95 in Philadelphia experienced a major incident today as a section of the highway collapsed following a large vehicle fire. Firefighters responded to the scene after receiving an emergency call at 6:22 a.m on Sunday. The fire had engulfed a vehicle beneath the I-95 overpass. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among motorists on the highway.
Governor Josh Shapiro expressed relief that no one was harmed, acknowledging the significant damage caused by the collapse. The northbound lanes of the highway are completely destroyed, while the southbound lanes have been compromised. The incident escalated into a hazmat situation as crews battled the fire and addressed potential fuel or gas line runoff. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.
Efforts are underway to contain any petroleum product runoff in nearby water sources. Cleanup operations are primarily focused on land, as approximately 8,500 gallons of gasoline were present in the involved tanker truck.
The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is closely monitoring the situation, and President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident. Federal support and assistance are being coordinated with local and state officials. The priority now is to ensure the safety of the public and to restore the highway as soon as possible.
Where is the Collapse on I-95?
The collapse on Interstate 95 occurred between Exit 32 for Academy Road and Exit 30 for Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia's Tacony section. The incident began with a vehicle fire, which led to the collapse of the highway. The northbound lanes were completely destroyed, while the southbound lanes were compromised. Thankfully, no motorists were injured during the incident.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has closed all northbound lanes between Exit 25 at Allegheny Avenue and Castor Avenue, as well as between Exit 32 at Academy Road and Linden Avenue. Southbound lanes between Exit 32 and Exit 30 at Cottman Avenue and Rhawn Street are also closed. The closure is expected to last for several months.
Efforts are underway to clean up the aftermath and address potential environmental concerns. Governor Josh Shapiro plans to issue a disaster declaration to expedite repairs and secure federal funds. Secretary Pete Buttigieg and federal officials are actively involved in monitoring and supporting the response efforts. The focus is on ensuring public safety and restoring this vital transportation artery for the East Coast.
The fire is under control, according to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. He said, “We are advising residents to please avoid the area and plan for alternative routes of travel,” he said at the news conference. In addition to road closures, we expect delays of trash collection and SEPTA bus routes in the area,” he said, referring to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which runs buses in Philadelphia.
The governor described witnessing “remarkable devastation” during a flyover of the scene. “I found myself thanking the Lord that no motorists who were on I-95 were injured or died,” he said, adding it was a “devastating site – one that our first responders, law enforcement and others contained very, very quickly.”
“A station Philadelphia 29-foot boat was launched to the scene to observe any pollution to the waterways. They reported that there is a sheen on the water but it seems to be confined to the cove,” the Coast Guard’s statement read. “The substance is gasoline and the tanker has a potential to spill 8500 gallons. However, it has been reported to us that clean up efforts are mainly shore side, meaning on land.”
What Happened on 95 in Philly?
In a dramatic incident that unfolded on Sunday morning, a section of northbound I-95 in Philadelphia collapsed due to a fierce fire ignited by a tanker truck. The intensity of the situation became evident as Pennsylvania officials announced that repairing the damage could take several months, causing widespread disruptions to daily commutes and severing a crucial East Coast artery.
The governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, revealed that the commercial tanker truck, transporting a petroleum-based substance, remains trapped beneath the collapsed highway. During a news conference held later that day, he expressed concerns about identifying any individuals who may have been caught in the fire and subsequent collapse. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported thus far.
Efforts are underway to restore the highway, but the process is expected to be protracted. Shapiro acknowledged that alternative solutions to connect the affected roadway were being explored, and collaboration with federal partners was in progress. The significance of the damaged stretch of the highway cannot be overstated, as it is likely the most heavily traveled interstate in the state.
With approximately 160,000 vehicles passing through it daily, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, the impact on regional traffic is immense. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. However, he urged residents to steer clear of the area and prepare for alternative routes.
The aftermath of the incident is anticipated to cause delays in trash collection and SEPTA bus routes in the vicinity. SEPTA, an abbreviation for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, operates buses throughout Philadelphia. Governor Shapiro, who surveyed the scene during a flyover, described the devastation as truly remarkable.
Expressing gratitude that no motorists were harmed, he emphasized the swift and efficient response from first responders, law enforcement, and other personnel involved. The situation on northbound I-95 serves as a reminder of the unforeseen challenges faced by communities, but it also highlights the resilience and dedication of those working diligently to restore normalcy to the affected area.
Truck is Under Investigation
The cause of the truck fire that led to the collapse of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia is currently under investigation. Officials are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fire. According to Derek Bowmer, battalion chief for the Philadelphia Fire Department, the fire was intense and located underneath the underpass.
Explosions were heard around the highway collapse, likely due to the runoff of fuel or gas lines that may have been compromised during the accident. The scene was engulfed in massive plumes of smoke, as captured in photos and videos shared online.
The cost of repairing the damaged roadway is still unknown, but Governor Josh Shapiro assured reporters that the necessary resources will be provided by US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to rebuild I-95 safely and efficiently. Drinking water quality in the area has not been affected, as confirmed by the Philadelphia Water Department. However, the US Coast Guard is monitoring the situation for any potential water pollution.
A 29-foot boat from Philadelphia was dispatched to observe the waterways for pollution. The Coast Guard reported the presence of a sheen on the water, but it seems to be confined to a cove. The substance in question is gasoline, and the tanker involved in the incident has the potential to spill 8,500 gallons. However, cleanup efforts are primarily focused on land rather than in the water.
What Happened on I 95 Today Philadelphia - FAQs
Interstate 95 in Philadelphia experienced a major incident today as a section of the highway collapsed following a large vehicle fire.
The collapse was caused by a vehicle fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among motorists.
The closure is expected to last for several months.
The cause of the truck fire is currently under investigation.