Major US highway I-95 collapses after gas tanker truck explodes

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Jun 2023 08:48

The collapse of the highway, which reportedly facilitates up to 40% of the US GDP, is due to cause major delays for commuters and commerce transport.

Two firefighters look on at a collapsed portion of I-95 in Philadelphia on June 11, 2023. (Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management)

A section of the main north-south highway of the East Coast and major US interstate I-95 on Sunday closed indefinitely after a gasoline tanker truck fire caused the bridge to collapse.

The highway, which reportedly facilitates up to 40% of the US GDP, is due to cause major delays for commuters and commerce transport as the southbound lanes were also “compromised” by heat from the fire, as told by Derek Bowmer, battalion chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

According to Bowmer, explosions are continuing to happen beneath the impacted section as a result of runoff from efforts to tame the fire or due to faulted gas lines.

Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management said “Travelers should expect delays and plan alternative travel routes, especially while planning for their weekday commute".

All lanes of I95 closed in both directions between Woodhaven and Aramingo exits due to fire/road collapse. Other streets closed for the response. Avoid area. Plan and seek alternative travel routes. pic.twitter.com/myNyH0nCiq
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) June 11, 2023

Data from the Department of Transportation demonstrate that I-95 is the nation's most-used highway in terms of vehicle miles, which means that companies dependent on the highway to conduct business and distribute goods will be facing severe impacts.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that the situation was being monitored as he remains in contact with the governor’s office and the Federal Highway Administration to provide “help with recovery and reconstruction.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Sunday that a joint investigation into the matter has been launched alongside the Pennsylvania State Police.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Joe Biden was also briefed on the collapse.

This comes after a significant series of train derailments that have occurred since the beginning of the year in the US, also affecting transport, with the most notable one being in East Palestine, Ohio when a Norfolk Southern train derailed on February 3 releasing millions of pounds of poisonous chemicals, prompting thousands of people to evacuate.

4,750 residents are still suffering from the health effects of the incident that spilled poisonous chemicals and resulted in a controlled burn of the substances among rising anger and rage from political leaders for the lack of engagement following the disaster.

Residents have complained about a variety of ailments in the weeks since the accident and are concerned about long-term health repercussions.