Details from federal investigators reveal that a gasoline delivery tanker overturned and ignited beneath an Interstate 95 bridge in Philadelphia due to a spilled gasoline from an unsecured hatch on top of the tanker. The incident, which occurred a year ago, resulted in the tragic death of the driver and significant transportation disruptions.
Video evidence showed that the manhole cover on the tanker was left open when the driver arrived at a terminal for refilling and remained unsecured during the journey to the delivery location. The subsequent crash led to the release of nearly 2,500 gallons of gasoline and ethanol, causing a fire that destroyed the bridge and impacted traffic for weeks.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives report indicated that the fire likely originated from the spilled gasoline as the tanker overturned. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting further investigations to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Initial findings suggest that the tanker's aluminum tank may have ruptured, or vapor recovery elements were damaged, leading to the release of gasoline. The NTSB also highlighted the driver's failure to secure the manhole cover before departure as a contributing factor.
Despite safety protocols in place, the incident underscores the potential risks associated with transportation of hazardous materials. The trucking company involved had issued a policy mandating pre-trip inspections of tanker manhole covers to prevent such incidents.
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to safety regulations in the transportation industry. The reopening of the I-95 bridge and the resumption of normal operations mark the conclusion of a challenging period for commuters and authorities alike.
