2 Men Critically Injured After Tanker Truck Carrying 3,000 Gallons Of Gasoline Overturns, Explodes On I-95
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BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (CBS) - Music on, two EMTs with Patriot Ambulance were heading to a non-urgent call when an actual emergency unfolded in front of their eyes. A tanker truck flipped twice, then exploded on I-95 in Bensalem Thursday.
"Is this really happening?" EMT Liz Mather said.
Its 3,000 gallons of fuel created a fiery river on the Woodhaven Road Entrance to I-95 North.
"The oil starts to leak down the cement barrier and we see the fire coming at us and I try getting the truck as far away as possible," Mather said.
"Me being an EMT, we need to help this person, and then I saw the explosion, and it was, it was, you know," EMT Brianna Philson said.
That explosion and the smoke that followed could be seen for miles.
Fire crews from around the region -- including first responders from Penndel Fire -- rushed to put out the flames. Video from the Penndel Volunteer Fire Company shows firefighters battling the blaze.
Fortunately, the two men inside that tanker were able to get out, but were badly burned.
And though this accident lasted just seconds, it closed the Woodhaven ramp in both directions, creating hours of backups for commuters lasting well into the evening.
"It was bad. There was a lot of traffic backed up for miles." commuter Tim Marks said.
And while crews work to remove the charred husk of the truck, PennDOT says delays will likely last well throughout both Friday commutes.
"Be patient and leave early and make sure you have some time," Marks said.
