Philadelphia, PA – June 11, 2023 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro, along with officials from the Shapiro Administration, Mayor Jim Kenney, the City of Philadelphia, and SEPTA, held a press conference to provide an update on the vehicle fire and subsequent collapse on Interstate 95 (I-95). The press conference aimed to share information about the incident, outline ongoing response efforts and provide guidance to residents and travelers affected by the road closure.
Governor Josh Shapiro began by describing the situation, stating that a vehicle fire occurred at approximately 6:20 am this morning, causing a section of I-95 to collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that a commercial truck carrying a petroleum-based product was the source of the fire. Governor Shapiro emphasized that the incident is still under investigation, and efforts are underway to identify any individuals affected by the fire and collapse.
Mayor Jim Kenney expressed gratitude to the first responders and highlighted the coordinated response efforts of both city and state agencies. He advised residents and visitors to avoid the affected area and plan for alternative travel routes. In addition to road closures, adjustments will be made to trash collection and bus routes in the vicinity.
Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson from the City of Philadelphia Fire Department provided an update on the incident. He mentioned that the fire is under control, but precautions are being taken due to the large volume of product involved. The fire department will remain on the scene to quickly respond if the fire restarts. Thompson expressed gratitude to the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Gas Works, and the Philadelphia Water Department for their assistance in mitigating the disaster.
Secretary Mike Carroll of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) acknowledged the significance of I-95 as a heavily traveled interstate and assured the public that efforts are underway to swiftly address the challenges posed by the incident. He encouraged individuals to visit the website pa.dot.com/I95updates for detour information and advised employers to be flexible with their employees’ work schedules.
Leslie Richards, General Manager/CEO of SEPTA, outlined the transportation alternatives being implemented to assist those affected by the road closure. SEPTA will provide additional capacity on the Trenton West and Trenton-Fox Chase rail lines, as well as arrange for shuttle buses on the Kensington Line. Free parking will be available at select locations, including three Park and Ride lots operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Richards urged the public to exercise patience and stay updated through SEPTA’s website and Twitter account.
Brendan Riley, Director of Operations for the Philadelphia Water Department, addressed concerns about potential environmental impacts. He reassured the public that there are currently no concerns regarding the city’s water supply, and measures have been taken to mitigate any potential discharge.
Councilmember Michael J. Driscoll, representing the 6th District in Northeast Philadelphia, commended Governor Shapiro, Mayor Kenney, and all levels of government for their swift response to the incident. In an interview with our media outlet before leaving the press conference, Councilmember Driscoll expressed gratitude to the residents of the Northeast District for their patience. He reassured the public that our water supply remains unaffected and encouraged continuous attention to the latest information regarding traffic, parking, and municipal services, as everything is still being addressed.
During the press conference, it was emphasized that the situation is fluid and subject to ongoing assessment. The Philadelphia Fire Department continues to monitor the fire, and investigations are being conducted to ensure public safety. Authorities from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Coast Guard confirmed that there are no immediate environmental concerns related to the incident.
The President has been briefed on the collapse and White House officials have been in contact with Governor Shapiro and Mayor Kenney’s offices to offer assistance.
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) June 11, 2023
In addition to the local response, the White House has been actively engaged in the situation. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden has been briefed on the collapse and White House officials have been in contact with Governor Shapiro and Mayor Kenney’s offices to offer assistance.
The NTSB, in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, is sending a team to conduct a safety investigation into the gasoline tanker truck fire and the collapse of the I-95 N overpass in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this morning.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) June 11, 2023
Furthermore, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, will be conducting a safety investigation into the gasoline tanker truck fire and the collapse of the I-95 N overpass in Philadelphia. The NTSB’s involvement underscores the commitment to thoroughly examine the incident and identify any safety issues.
Governor Shapiro expressed confidence in receiving the necessary funding and support from federal partners, including the United States Department of Transportation and various elected officials. He announced his plan to issue a disaster declaration to expedite the process of accessing federal funds and rebuilding I-95.
Detour Information:
- I-95 Southbound: Route 63 West (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 South, 76 East, 676 East
- I-95 Northbound: I-676 West, I-76 West, U.S. 1 North to Route 63 East (Woodhaven Road)
Note: Road closures and detours are subject to change. Travelers should consult local news sources and visit pa.gov/i95updates.
Complimentary parking options have been made available by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) to accommodate travel needs during the I-95 closure. The following PPA-operated SEPTA Philadelphia train station parking lots will offer free parking until further notice:
- Fern Rock Rail Station Lot: 10th & Nedro Streets
- Fox Chase Rail Station Lot: 500 Rhawn Street
- Torresdale Rail Station Lot: 4900 Grant Avenue
Trash and recycling collections will continue as scheduled. Residents are advised to place their trash and recycling items out on their regular collection day and at their usual pickup site. However, residents in the northeast area of the city should anticipate possible delays in collections. The Streets Department is actively assessing the impact on sanitation trucks traveling in the affected area and any necessary diversion to alternative routes.
