Pennsauken tanker fire: Two 'big bangs' and a plume of smoke
Emergency crews remain at the highway ramp where an oil tanker overturned and burst into flames in Pennsauken Monday morning, authorities said.
Emergency crews remain at the highway ramp where an oil tanker overturned and burst into flames in Pennsauken Monday morning, authorities said.
The accident occurred on Route 130 northbound at the ramp to Route 90. Some news outlets reported that the driver of the tanker was accounted for, and there did not appear to be any other vehicles involved.
The fire sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky that could be seen for miles around, including in Northeast Philadelphia. Authorities said a crash team would try to determine the cause of the accident and whether ice or snow was a contributing factor.
One firefighter was taken by stretcher to an ambulance. The nature of his injuries was not disclosed. It was not known if there were any other injuries.
After noon, the sky in the area cleared and most of the fire companies left, while cleanup crews and investigators remained.
One neighbor, Kristen Bolch said she heard two "big bangs" and thought nearby houses were on fire when she looked out.
Yolanda Jackson, who also lives close to the accident scene, said she left work to check on her house and was relieved to see the flames had not ignited any homes.
Hazmat teams responded, spraying foam on the blaze, said Dan Keashen, spokesman for Camden County.
"The weather has made fighting the fire challenging," Keashen said. Emergency crews are dealing with low temperatures and winds, but had the fire under control, he said.
Despite early reports of evacuations, Keashen said residents who live nearby so far had not been asked to leave. However, authorities did request those in the area to take precautions to avoid breathing fumes.
"We're asking everyone to shelter in place until we have fully assessed the situation," Keashen said.
In addition to Pennsauken fire and rescue, and the Camden County Office of Emergency Management with HAZMAT workers, other towns sent fire units to assist.
Authorities were expected to release additional information soon.
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