In a race against time, officials are working tirelessly to establish alternative transportation options for commuters in Philadelphia as a section of Interstate 95 crumbled due to a blazing tanker truck fire on Sunday. This devastating incident has left the East Coast’s primary highway severely damaged, with estimates suggesting that it may take several months to restore it to its former state.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities resulting from the highway collapse. However, it remains uncertain whether anyone was trapped within the engulfed commercial tanker truck, which was transporting a petroleum-based substance. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed concern about the trapped truck during a press conference held on Sunday afternoon.
Interstate 95 is a vital thoroughfare, witnessing a staggering daily commute of approximately 160,000 vehicles. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized its significance, stating that it is likely the busiest interstate within the commonwealth.
Governor Shapiro recounted his aerial view of the scene, describing the “remarkable devastation” caused by the collapse. The intensity of the fire led to the collapse of the northbound lanes, while the southbound lanes suffered substantial damage, rendering them unsuitable for traffic. Shapiro acknowledged that restoring this crucial highway would be a time-consuming process, and his office is actively exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the impact on transportation.
Representative Brendan Boyle, a Democrat representing the affected district, voiced his concerns about the profound repercussions on the millions of individuals residing in one of the country’s most densely populated regions.
Governor Shapiro intends to issue a disaster declaration on Monday, which will facilitate the immediate allocation of federal funds and expedite the repair and reconstruction of this vital roadway. He received assurances from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg regarding the swift deployment of federal resources.
Highlighting the economic significance and the daily role of I-95 in people’s lives, Shapiro expressed gratitude that no motorists on the highway were harmed or killed. Efforts to determine the cause of the fire are still underway.
Although the fire has been contained as of Sunday afternoon, firefighting personnel remain on-site as a precautionary measure due to the substantial volume of product involved, according to Philadelphia Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson.
Throughout the night, crews will work diligently to clear the collapsed section of the road, as confirmed by Secretary Carroll.
Officials have urged residents to avoid the area and expect delays in trash collection and bus routes.
Leslie Richards, the general manager of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), stated that the agency is increasing capacity and service on alternative transportation routes while thoroughly examining all available options to assist commuters affected by the highway collapse.
“To ensure smooth travel throughout the city and surrounding region following the I-95 collapse, SEPTA will enhance capacity and service on the Trenton, West Trenton, and Fox Chase Lines,” said SEPTA, the sixth largest public transportation agency in the United States.
