Video from the scene shows a massive slab collapse across an entire stretch of northbound lanes on Surface Roadway in Northeast Philadelphia.
A large vehicle fire under an elevated section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia caused a large section of the interstate to collapse and shut down the highway in both directions.
Video from the scene showed a massive slab collapse covering the entire northbound lane on the surface roadway in Northeast Philadelphia. Officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Philadelphia Fire Department Capt. Derrick Baumer said emergency crews responding to a report of an accident shortly before 6:30 a.m. Sunday saw heavy flames coming from a car or vehicles.
Initial reports indicated the vehicle may have been a tanker truck, but officials said that could not be confirmed yet. The fire is said to be under control.
Baumer said the northbound lanes were gone and the southbound lanes were “compromised” due to the heat of the fire.
He also said the underground explosion was caused by a fire or possibly a compromised gas line. Officials said 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 northbound gone and southbound in question, it’s going to be even longer,” said Dominic Mireles, director of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management.
Heavy construction equipment will be needed to begin removing the debris, he said.
The Office of Emergency Management said other roads were closed for the response and urged people to avoid the area. They also said they plan to fly a drone to assess the damage.
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