A general view shows the partial collapse of Interstate 95 following a fire beneath an overpass in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., June 11, 2023.
City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management | Via Reuters
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A massive vehicle fire under an elevated section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia caused a large portion of the highway to collapse, closing the highway in both directions, authorities said. know.
Video from the scene shows a giant slab of rock that completely covered part of the northbound lanes collapsing to the pavement in northeast Philadelphia. Officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries.
Captain Derek Bowmer of the Philadelphia fire department said emergency crews responding just before 6:30 a.m. Sunday following an accident report found a large fire from one vehicle or multiple vehicles. Initial reports indicated that the vehicle could be an oil tanker, but officials said that has yet to be confirmed. The fire is reported to be under control.
Bowmer said northbound lanes were gone and southbound lanes were “compromised” due to the heat from the fire. He also said runoff from the fire or perhaps broken gas lines caused the underground explosions. Officials say they are also concerned about the environmental impact of runoff into the nearby Delaware River.
“Today is going to be a long day. And obviously, with 95 suspicious north and southbound points, it’s going to be even longer,” said Dominick Mireles, director of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management. know. He said heavy construction equipment is needed to start clearing debris.
The Office of Emergency Management said other streets were closed in response and urged people to avoid the area. They also said they planned to launch a drone to assess the damage.
