Road collapses as truck bursts into flames closing major route both directions
A blistering fire has closed down Philadelphia Interstate 95 after a truck burst into flames causing a portion of the highway to completely collapse.
The large fire started at around 6.30am near Princeton Avenue in both directions as thick black smoke filled the sky and traffic was stopped in the area.
The partial collapse of the roadway happened after a tanker truck fire started underneath an overpass and spread to the lanes.
One eyewitness claims there was a dramatic "manhole" explosion, he told CBS: “I saw a manhole cover flipping through the sky like a coin."
City Managing Director Tumar Alexander revealed the roadway closure will be shut for a "long period of time" as "the roadway is gone", according to police.
Holiday family return to find everything they own - even cat - destroyed in fire
He said: “I-95 will be impacted for a long time, for a long time.”
Huge thick black smoke is seen spreading (@MarkFusetti/Twitter)
The truck burst into flames (@MarkFusetti/Twitter)Captain Derrick Bowmer, from the Philadelphia Fire Department, told NBC Philadelphia that runoff from the burning truck is causing fires underground.
"We will be here for awhile," he said. "We have fire coming out of those manholes."
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed on Twitter he had been briefed on the collapse, and his team were working closely with authorities.
He wrote: "For now, please avoid the area and follow the direction of the first responders on the scene."
Part of the road has completely collapsed (JoeHoldenCBS3/Twitter)US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he is "closely monitoring the fire and collapse" on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, and spoke to Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro "to offer any assistance."
Philadelphia Fire Department confirmed the fire is under control but there remains a huge emergency operation at the scene.
Officials believe the highway will be shut for a "long time" (JoeHoldenCBS3/Twitter)It tweeted: "Around 6.30am, PFD responded to a large fire under I-95 near the Cottman Avenue exit in Northeast Philly. PFD placed the fire under control at 7.30am, but there is an ongoing emergency response from dozens of city, state, and federal agencies as part of I-95 N&S is close.
"Please exercise extreme caution and follow safety signs if you’re in that area."
Police told drivers to avoid the area and those who were on the highway were being forced to turn around.
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Officials believe the highway will be shut for a "long time" (JoeHoldenCBS3/Twitter)Authorities have been attending the fire, which is reportedly out, and there are no reported injuries.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management tweeted that the large fire has shut down all lanes in both directions and urged motorists to avoid the area.
It is unclear how the fire was started but the highway is expected to remain shut for an extended period of time as officials work to clear the debris.
The truck engulfed in flames (CBS News)Pennsylvania State Police said they are assisting Philadelphia police and other public safety partners with traffic control.
According to officials, there is no danger for neighbours in the area.
The fire comes just weeks after a school bus burst into flames in New York.
A quick-thinking bus driver managed to save the life of six school children in Queens, US, after a fire ripped through the vehicle due to an engine failure.
Thankfully, the children, who were between the ages of 5 and 11, were able to escape without any injuries.
The fire has been put out (MWrightReports/Twitter)The kids were being transported from a private Yeshiva they attend, when suddenly the front engine of the bus began emitting smoke.
The flames spread rapidly but the driver was able to evacuate all the children to safety.
He waited until all the kids were picked up by the parents.
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