Disaster struck in Philadelphia on June 11 when a tanker truck erupted in flames and caused the I-95 overpass to collapse.
Fox News reported that authorities responded quickly to the emergency, with Pennsylvania State Police collaborated with other safety officials to manage and detour the traffic. Ensuring the safety of residents and motorists became their paramount concern during the disaster. The Office of Emergency Management for the city issued a tweet, alerting the public that the large fire had forced the complete closure of I-95 in both directions and advised drivers to steer clear of the affected area.
All lanes of I95 closed in both directions between Woodhaven and Aramingo exits due to fire/road collapse. Other streets closed for the response. Avoid area. Plan and seek alternative travel routes. pic.twitter.com/myNyH0nCiq
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) June 11, 2023
According to KYW News Radio, approximately 8,500 gallons of gasoline are believed to have leaked from the tanker, seeping into the nearby Delaware River.
Images and videos circulating on social media captured the intense flames and billowing smoke near Cottman Avenue and State Road, with a visible portion of the roadway appearing to have crumbled under the heat and intensity of the blaze.
See photos and videos below:
Around 6:30am, PFD responded to a large fire under I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit in Northeast Philly. PFD placed the fire under control at 7:30am, but there is an ongoing emergency response from dozens of city, state, & fed. agencies as part of I-95 N&S is closed. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ZOJwuLVjyA
— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) June 11, 2023
📷: A view of the aftermath of the collapse of a part of I-95 highway after a fuel tanker exploded beneath it, in Philadelphia, U.S. June 11, 2023.https://t.co/8qmL0WzxFe pic.twitter.com/zzClPiub3I
— Voice of America (@VOANews) June 12, 2023
Moments before the I-95 collapse. pic.twitter.com/XMQ1ZNW3gm
— CrazyFuckingVideos (@CrazyFuckingVid) June 12, 2023
On June 12, 6 ABC Action News reported that human remains were found in the debris of the tanker. They have not been confirmed, but they are believed to belong to tanker truck driver Nathaniel Moody. Family members served as sources and said that Moody is currently missing and was an experienced driver. Authorities reported that no other injuries occurred in the collapse.
As authorities work to manage the aftermath of the collapse, commuters and residents are urged to stay updated on alternate routes and traffic advisories. It is expected that the road will be closed for quite some time until repairs can be made.
