A tanker truck carrying jet fuel caught fire on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Worcester Township, Montgomery County. The fire caused all lanes to be shut down. Two people were killed and one person was injured.
The fire occurred late Saturday morning. Drivers were urged to avoid the area. A Turnpike official said the closure would be extended. The fire was part of a multi-vehicle crash.
Pennsylvania State Police confirms at least two people died in the fire. One person was injured and taken to a local hospital with burns. There is no word on their condition at this time.
Authorities are now allowing people who were evacuated form Shady Lane and Oak Terrace to return to their homes.
The accident was reported just before 11 a.m. between the Lansdale exit and Mid-County Interchange. Chopper 3 was above the scene to capture fire crews working to extinguish the accident.
cores of debris have been reported on the highway. The PA Turnpike announced an emergency road closure on their X account at 3:37 p.m.
“EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE on #PATurnpike I-476 North & South between Mid-County Exit #20 & Lansdale Exit #31 will be Closed through the evening rush hour tonight. There is no ETA to open the roadway,” the post read.
They also included a graphic on alternate routes and detour directions for local drivers.
