Truck Fire Closes Route 1 North in Bensalem

The engine of a tanker truck hauling approximately 7,000 pounds of diesel fuel caught fire Wednesday morning, forcing northbound Route 1 to be closed for two hours at the Old Lincoln Highway intersection.

According to Bensalem Fire Marshal Robert Sponheimer, the driver was delivering the fuel to the UPS center in Willow Grove when he saw the engine begin to smoke. He pulled over on Route 1 and called emergency services at approximately 9:40 a.m.

First responders from Bensalem Fire Rescue, Nottingham and Trevose fire companies had the engine fire extinguished by 9:48 a.m., said Sponheimer.

One of the truck's diesel tanks ruptured during the fire, spilling fuel along the road and forcing the two hour closure of Route 1. Sponheimer was grateful that the larger, 7,000-gallon tank remained intact.

"We got lucky that tank didn't blevy and explode," said Sponheimer. "It would have taken out a couple buildings. The fire departments had a great response time."

The driver of the truck did not sustain any injuries. The left and center lanes of Route 1 north were re-opened at 11:30 a.m. Sponheimer said the right lane will remain closed for a few more hours.