A major freeway in Philadelphia was shut down after a vehicle fire caused an elevated section of I-95 above it to collapse Sunday.
All lanes of the major thoroughfare were closed in both directions in response to the catastrophic traffic hazard in the northeast part of the city.
Other streets in the area are closed for the emergency response. All travelers are advised to avoid the area and find another route around.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries.
Police Department, Fire Department, Pennsylvania State Police, emergency medical and PECO crews on the scene, trying to contain and monitor what is happening.
Capt. Derek Bowmer of the Philadelphia Fire Department said emergency crews responding shortly before 6:30 a.m. Sunday to an accident report found heavy fire from a vehicle or vehicles. Early reports indicated that the vehicle may have been a tanker truck, but officials said that hadn't yet been confirmed. The fire was reported to be under control.
VIDEO: Driving over section of I-95 right before collapse
Bowmer said the northbound lanes were gone and the southbound lanes were “compromised” due to heat from the fire. He also said runoff from the fire or perhaps compromised gas lines were causing explosions underground. Officials said they were also concerned about the environmental impacts of runoff into the nearby Delaware River.
“Today’s going to be a long day. And obviously, with 95 northbound gone and southbound questionable, it’s going to be even longer than that,” said Dominick Mireles, director of Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management. Heavy construction equipment would be required to start to remove the debris, he said.
Officials say they have not been able to bring in any heavy equipment yet to start removing damaged parts of part of I-95.
The emergency management office also said they planned to launch a drone to assess the damage.
Detours and SEPTA alerts
Come Monday morning, commuters will need to find new routes around the area, and they will have to get used to those alternate routes. City officials say this road closure will be dogging the city for months.
At present, northbound traffic on I-95 is being directed off at Aramingo Avenue, forcing drivers to make their way through the Northeast part of the city. Those local roads are experiencing gridlock conditions — Frankford, Torresdale and Cottman avenues, and New State Road — but drivers can get back on I-95 at Linden Avenue.
Southbound traffic is forced off at Academy Road, and motorists will be subject to the major delays along those local roads. Drivers can get back on I-95 south of Cottman Avenue down near Harbison Avenue if they choose to do this. However, the better choice would be exiting at Woodhaven Road, and heading west to Roosevelt Boulevard. Continue south on the Boulevard to I-76 eastbound to get to and through Center City.
Additionally, State Road is closed at Rhawn Street to help deal with the aftermath of the fire that caused the collapse in the first place.
SEPTA is affected, as well. Service will be detoured until further notice for bus Routes 70, 73, 78 and 84. Check their website for additional service alerts and detours.
Related
