Drivers Face Hours of Delays After Intense Blaze Closes Key Stretch of Interstate in Maryland
BALTIMORE, MD — A large fire erupted on a major stretch of Interstate 95 in Baltimore early this morning, forcing authorities to shut down the highway in both directions and causing significant disruptions for commuters. The blaze, which started near the city’s industrial district, has prompted a massive response from local firefighters and emergency teams.
The fire broke out at approximately 4:30 AM, engulfing multiple vehicles and spreading to nearby structures. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities have confirmed that no fatalities have been reported. However, several individuals were treated for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries.
Major Traffic Disruptions
The closure of I-95, one of the busiest highways on the East Coast, has led to significant traffic snarls throughout the Baltimore area. Commuters have been advised to avoid the area, with many drivers experiencing hours-long delays as they are diverted to alternate routes. Local authorities are working to clear the scene and assess the damage, but it remains unclear when the highway will reopen.
“We’re doing everything we can to get traffic moving again,” said Baltimore Fire Department spokesperson, Captain Emily Rivera. “Our priority right now is ensuring the safety of everyone involved and putting out the fire completely.”
Firefighters Battle Blaze
Firefighters have been working relentlessly throughout the morning to control the fire, which has caused significant damage to several vehicles and surrounding areas. The fire, which initially began as a smaller blaze, quickly escalated due to high winds and the presence of flammable materials in nearby construction zones.
“We have multiple teams on the ground, and we’re using aerial support to help contain the flames,” said Chief Robert Hayes, the incident commander on the scene. “It’s a challenging situation, but we’re making progress.”
Traffic and Safety Warnings
As the fire is brought under control, the Maryland Department of Transportation has issued several safety warnings and traffic advisories. While alternate routes have been established, they are also heavily congested, making travel through Baltimore difficult.
For those traveling through the area, officials recommend using U.S. Route 1 or Route 40 as alternate routes and checking local traffic updates before heading out. Drivers are urged to be patient as cleanup efforts continue.
A Community Impacted
The fire has not only affected commuters but also businesses in the nearby vicinity. Local shop owners and employees are grappling with the unexpected disruption to their daily routines. The local economy, especially along I-95, heavily depends on the steady flow of traffic, and the closure could have ripple effects throughout the day.
Investigation Underway
As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Baltimore Police Department, along with fire marshals, is working to determine whether the incident was accidental or if foul play is suspected. At this stage, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation until more details are made available.
What’s Next?
While firefighters continue to manage the aftermath, local commuters will likely face delays for the next several hours. Emergency crews are also working to secure the scene and ensure the area is safe before allowing traffic to return.
In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to stay informed and avoid the I-95 corridor if possible.
