SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP — Part of Interstate 81 near Harrisburg is still closed in both directions because of a truck explosion.
A tanker filled with diesel fuel overturned around 6 a.m. Thursday on an overpass above 81, caught fire and exploded.
It happened at the Route 322/22 and Interstate 81 interchange (67).
PennDOT says the intense heat damaged the deck of the ramp and buckled the beams of the bridge above.
State leaders say the fire was so intense, they need to assess whether the overpass is structurally stable and until they determine that, I-81 will have to remain closed.
“We have no clear timetable as to when the repairs will be completed. But everyone at the state level understands the urgency of reopening I-81, and the adjacent roads as speedily as possible,” said Governor Tom Corbett.
The driver made it out with minor injuries.
The cause of the crash in Dauphin County is still under investigation.
