I-95 Bridge Collapses After Fiery Tanker Crash

A section of Interstate 95 in Northeast Philadelphia traveled by an estimated 160,000 motorists a day collapsed Sunday morning after a petroleum tanker caught fire underneath it.

The fire occurred on the Route 73/Cottman Avenue ramp under I-95 causing the northbound roadway above to partially collapse and heavy damage to the southbound lanes, according to Governor Josh Shapiro.

Shapiro said it will take months before the overpass bridges could be reopened.

“Interstate 95 is a critical artery that supports our economy and plays an important role in Pennsylvanians’ day to day lives,” Shapiro said Sunday. “… We will rebuild and recover, and in the meantime, we will make sure people can get to where they need to go safely.”

A view of the collapse during a flyover June 11 by Gov. Josh Shapiro to survey the damage.Gov. Josh Shapiro’s officeDetails about the cause of the fire and the driver, who is unaccounted for, are still being investigated. Officials said Monday that the driver crashed into a wall after losing control while taking the northbound off-ramp. The tanker, which has been removed, was carrying 8.500 gallons of gasoline and landed on its side. So far, no injuries or fatalities from the incident have been reported, according to city and state officials. However, 6abc news is reporting that the driver’s remains have been removed. Authorities have confirmed the remains were removed and are trying to determine identify. 

The incident occurred at 6:20 a.m. June 11. The Philadelphia Fire Department reported that the blaze was under control by 7:30 a.m.

“This incident will cause significant disruption, not only to residents and businesses in the area, but also to commerce and travelers along the East Coast,” said Randy Padfield, director of the  Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. “We will work closely with our federal, state and Philadelphia partners to provide the necessary support and resources to make repairs as quickly as possible.”

Detours have been set up for drivers to avoid the area, and demolition of the damaged overpass has begun. Media report traffic backups at the start of the Monday morning commute.

A view underneath the collapsed section of I-95 on June 11.City of Philadelphia“The complete rebuilding of the I-95 roadway is expected to take a number of months,” according to Shapiro. “The Administration will have a more exact timeline in the coming days once the engineers complete their review.”

Shapiro issued a disaster declaration today to expedite the flow of federal funding for repair and reconstruction. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is investigating the damage to the roadway and law enforcement and emergency officials continue to investigate the cause. A more detailed timeline on rebuilding the overpass is expected in a few days.

The National Transportation Safety Board reports that it is sending an investigative team to the site of the collapse and is coordinating with the Pennsylvania State Police.

Philadelphia Fire Department