According to state police, a car fire has shut down I-95 near Princeton Avenue in both directions, and a section of the northbound side of the road has collapsed. Officials added that the fire had also threatened the interstate’s southbound side.
According to police, the massive fire broke out beneath the flyover at around 6:30 a.m.
From Allegheny and Castor Avenue (Exit 25) to Academy Road and Linden Avenue (Exit 32), a 2-mile stretch of the road is closed.
On the road, flames could be seen erupting.
The area was blocked off by heavy black smoke in the sky.
Manhole tops have been launched into the air by many explosions that have been heard nearby.
The incident is being responded to by federal officials.
Environmental issues are also a worry, according to officials. The Delaware River is being watched by the U.S. Coast Guard for any possible fuel leaks from the vehicle.
Options for Alternative Routes to Avoid I-95 Closure
The area is to be avoided by drivers. Those who were on the highway were compelled to do a U-turn.
This will result in significant traffic problems for the foreseeable future, according to CBS News Traffic Reporter Chandler Lutz.
According to Lutz, the Bridgeview exit, Exit 26, was recently shut down as part of the I-95 rehabilitation project.
Your best option to circumvent the road closure, according to Lutz, is Roosevelt Boulevard (Route 1). Another alternative route is Torresdale Avenue.
Using Route 130 or 295 will get you into New Jersey. Additionally, the Ben Franklin Bridge has reopened after being briefly closed due to a bike-a-thon event on Sunday morning. You can still utilise the Betsy Ross Bridge exit (Exit 26) if you’re on I-95 north. However, that section is closed off if you’re heading from the Besty Ross to I-95.
Concerns about Air Quality
The smoke will move towards the north and east due to winds that are blowing to the north.
Acids, sulphates, and nitrates, which are extremely toxic to breathe in, are just a few of the hazardous chemicals that the fire is dispersing into the air. Air quality problems are also being caused by particulate matter, such as metals, soot, dust, asphalt, and oil.
You might see a greasy, oily sheen on everything due to the massive smoke cloud, according to meteorologist Tammie Souza.
As the region was also anticipated to already have bad air quality levels Sunday owing to smoke from the Canadian wildfire that we have been experiencing all week, she advised staying indoors if you are to the north or east.
