The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published its comprehensive findings regarding the tragic incident on I-95 in Northeast Philadelphia, shedding light on the sequence of events leading to the fatal crash and subsequent highway collapse last June.

On June 11th, 2023, a catastrophic accident unfolded when a gasoline tanker truck overturned near the Cottman Avenue exit of I-95, resulting in a massive fire. The incident, which occurred at 6:17 AM, prompted frantic 911 calls and was captured on video by motorists showing billowing black smoke engulfing the scene.

Details of the Incident

According to the NTSB report, eyewitnesses described the tanker truck as suddenly erupting into flames, creating a huge ball of fire. Within minutes of the initial reports, the integrity of the highway began to deteriorate, with 911 callers reporting visible buckling. By 6:45 AM, the northbound lanes of I-95, normally accommodating approximately 160,000 vehicles daily, had completely collapsed under the intense heat and structural stress.

Victim Identification and Cause of Death

Tragically, the wreckage claimed the life of Nathan Moody, a 53-year-old truck driver. The medical examiner determined that Moody succumbed to injuries including blunt trauma, inhalation of toxic fumes, and thermal burns. Moody, who had been transporting 8,500 gallons of gasoline from Wilmington to a Philadelphia gas station, was found to have been working for seven and a half hours overnight prior to the incident. Toxicology reports confirmed the absence of drugs or alcohol in his system, and photographs indicated that he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Response and Recovery Efforts

Concerns initially arose about the potential for prolonged traffic disruptions, dubbed carmageddon, but swift detour implementations and continuous efforts by repair crews mitigated these fears. Truckloads of aggregate material were brought in from Delaware County to fill the collapsed section of the highway. Notably, Governor Josh Shapiro ceremonially reopened the northbound lanes of I-95 twelve days after the incident, marking a significant milestone for commuters affected by the closure. The permanent restoration of the highway was completed on May 23rd, 2024, further easing traffic congestion in the area.

Conclusion

The release of the NTSB’s final report on the I-95 crash and collapse provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. It underscores the critical role of timely response and collaborative efforts in managing such emergencies and restoring essential transportation infrastructure. As investigations continue to inform safety improvements, the reopening of I-95 stands as a testament to resilience and community perseverance in the face of adversity.

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