In an anticipated announcement, Governor Josh Shapiro revealed Pennsylvania’s plan to address the aftermath of a tragic incident involving a gasoline-laden truck that veered out of control, causing a devastating collapse on an important section of Interstate 95, Your Content has learned.
Investigators are actively probing the circumstances surrounding this incident, while the state gears up to restore the affected highway.
Since the fire-induced collapse, the northbound lanes of I-95 have been rendered unusable, and the southbound lanes have suffered extensive damage.
Rebuilding the affected stretch is expected to be a time-consuming process, lasting several weeks or more.
As a result, the traffic situation in Philadelphia has become increasingly chaotic, causing significant disruptions to daily commutes, local businesses, and necessitating alternative routes for trucking companies.
Michael Carroll, Pennsylvania’s transportation secretary, assured that the demolition efforts are being carried out tirelessly around the clock for the approximately 100-foot (30-meter) section of I-95.
Additionally, the Biden administration has pledged its support to aid in the restoration process.
To facilitate the repairs, I-95 will remain closed in both directions.
The elevated southbound portion of the highway, as well as the northbound side, will need to be demolished, as confirmed by officials.
Furthermore, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted that the consequences of the I-95 collapse are likely to impact the cost of consumer goods.
With truckers now required to travel longer distances, transportation expenses are expected to rise. Approximately 8% of the daily 160,000 vehicles traversing this section are trucks, according to Buttigieg’s statement.
Tragically, the driver lost his life in the accident, as confirmed by law enforcement. The Philadelphia medical examiner identified him as Nathan Moody, aged 53, on Tuesday night.
While the trucking company involved has been cooperating with authorities, no further details regarding its identity or licensing status for gasoline transportation have been disclosed.
According to authorities, the ill-fated driver was en route northbound to deliver fuel to a convenience store when the vehicle lost control on a curved off-ramp.
The resulting crash caused the truck to overturn, leading to a rupture in the fuel tank, according U.S. News.
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