A section of Philadelphia I-95 collapsed after a massive truck fire at approximately 6:30 am this morning near the Cottman Avenue exit in Northeast Philly. .
All lanes of the highway are shut down between the Woodhaven and Aramingo exits in northeast Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Fire Department placed the fire under control at 7:30 am, but there is an ongoing emergency response from dozens of city, state, and federal agencies as a portion of I-95 is closed in both directions.
Captain Derrick Bowmer, of the Philadelphia Fire Department, said that runoff from the burning truck is also causing explosions underground. The cause of the blaze, in addition to contents of the tanker truck are still unknown.
Photo courtesy Philadelphia fire Department
"We will be here for awhile," he said. "We have fire coming out of those manholes."
He also said that commuters should avoid the area as the highways isn't expected to re-open anytime soon.
Photo courtesy Philadephia Fire Department
Photo courtesy Philadelphia Fire Department
Governor Shapiro, in a statement released following the collapse, says he has been briefed on the situation. He asks that everyone avoid the area as first responders work the scene.
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