Details from federal investigators reveal that gasoline spilled from an unsecured hatch on a gasoline delivery tanker that overturned and caught fire beneath an Interstate 95 bridge in Philadelphia a year ago.
An ATF report stated that video evidence showed the cover to the manhole was open when the driver, Nathan Moody, arrived at a terminal in Wilmington, Delaware, to refill the tank. The cover remained unsecured when he drove the tanker to a convenience store in Philadelphia, causing the tragic crash that resulted in Moody’s death and disrupted transportation along the interstate.
The report concluded that the fire likely originated when gasoline escaped from the open manhole as the trailer overturned, leading to the spill of over 2,000 gallons of gasoline and ethanol.
The crash, which occurred in June 2023, destroyed the bridge and caused a major disruption to traffic flow until a temporary fix was implemented. The highway returned to normal operations after a permanent bridge was opened in November.
The NTSB is investigating the cause of the explosion, with reports indicating that the truck rolled over at a high speed while negotiating an off-ramp.
Moody’s cousin, Isaac Moody, defended Nathan’s safety record, stating that he was a conscientious driver who followed regulations and training requirements.
Firefighters faced numerous challenges during the incident, including explosions from storm sewers and manhole covers becoming projectiles due to the pressure of the exploding gasoline.
The NTSB documents also highlighted a policy issued by trucking firm Penn Tank Lines Inc. mandating pre-trip inspections of tanker manhole covers to prevent incidents like this.
The tragic accident, costing approximately $21 million to rebuild the affected section of I-95, serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in the transportation industry.
By Mark Scolforo
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