A portion of I-95 in Philadelphia collapsed early Sunday after a tanker truck caught fire underneath an overpass, according to officials and local reports.
Flames and billowing smoke were seen in pictures and video near Cottman Avenue and State Road in Northeast Philadelphia. A portion of the roadway also appeared to have collapsed.
Pennsylvania State Police told FOX News Digital in an email that the agency was assisting Philadelphia police and other public safety partners with traffic control and re-routing, with the safety of residents and motorists being their top priority.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management tweeted that the large fire has shut down all lanes of I-95 in both directions and urged motorists to avoid the area.
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A tanker caused a partial collapse of the highway in Philadelphia. (James F. Devito)
The partial collapse of the roadway happened after a tanker truck fire started underneath an overpass and spread to the above lanes, FOX29 Philadelphia reported, citing officials. The fire was extinguished around 7:30 a.m., though crews remained at the scene to assess the damage.
About 8,500 gallons of gasoline is believed to have leaked from the tanker into the Delaware River, KYW News Radio reported, citing the U.S. Coast Guard. The agency is expected to deploy an absorbent boom later Sunday.
Fox News Digital reached out for a statement on the leakage but did not hear back in time for publication.
Fire crews were working on a portion of I-95 in North Philadelphia that collapsed during a large fire early Sunday. (FOX29 Philadelphia WTXF)
Several explosions were heard in the area, with WPVI-TV reporting that manhole covers were seen exploding.
All lanes of I-95 were closed in both directions between Woodhaven and Aramingo exits early Sunday due to a fire and subsequent road collapse, officials said. (Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management)
It was unclear how the fire started or whether anyone was injured in the incident.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the vehicle fire on northbound I-95 between Exit 25 for Allegheny Avenue/Castor Avenue and Exit 32 for Academy Road/Linden Avenue closed all lanes.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro tweeted that he is closely coordinating with partners in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg also tweeted that he’s closely monitoring the situation and will offer federal assistance.
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The roadway is expected to remain shut down for an extended period of time while crews continue to work in the area.
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