Officials in Philadelphia, USA, announced that a section of a major highway on the East Coast collapsed after a truck caught fire underneath it. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, but officials stated that the situation remains fluid, and investigators are still examining the collapse site.
Smoke was seen rising from the debris of the collapsed section of I-95, the main north-south route in the state, stretching from Miami through Washington and New York to the Canadian border in Maine. Footage showed ambulances and workers gathering in the area, and traffic was halted in both directions.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated in a press conference that it is likely to take "a few months" to rebuild the highway, which serves about 160,000 vehicles daily. He added that he will sign a disaster declaration on Monday to access federal funds and other assistance.
Shapiro noted that the truck was carrying "petroleum products" but did not provide further details. The National Transportation Safety Board indicated that the truck was transporting fuel and has dispatched a team to investigate.
Shapiro mentioned that while a "very light sheen" was visible on the Delaware River near the site of the truck fire, indicating a possible fuel leak, barriers were quickly deployed in the water to contain the spread. He assured that there is no threat to drinking water.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reported that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident and that the White House offered assistance to state and local officials. Officials advised travelers to expect delays and encouraged them to plan alternative routes, including trains, for their commutes.
