Disaster proclamation could lead to federal aid in tanker fire

Photo by witf/Tim Lambert

(Harrisburg) -- The disaster emergency proclamation Governor Corbett signed following a tanker truck fire that shut down Interstate 81 near Harrisburg will allow the state to seek federal aid.

PennDOT spokesman Steve Chizmar says Pennsylvania can seek reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration for some of the more $10 million in damage from Thursday's accident, which disrupted traffic and commerce throughout the capital region.

The tanker was carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel when it flipped over and burst into flames on a ramp that crossed over I-81. The intense heat buckled steel beams and damaged the road so badly officials feared it could collapse onto the interstate.

I-81 is expected to be closed for several days and long-term repairs are expected to take months.