Truck Fire Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries Extinguished In Marple Twp.

MARPLE, PA — A ramp linking two highways was closed for several hours Thursday due to a fire involving a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries in Marple Township, officials said.

Firefighters were dispatched shortly before 11 a.m. to the off-ramp from Route 1 northbound to the Interstate 476 interchange, according to the Broomall Fire Company.

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At the scene, a large box truck emanated smoke from the rear. It was transporting old electronics containing lithium-ion batteries in 55-gallon drums.

The batteries are susceptible to overheating, causing fires and sometimes explosions, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Due to volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries, extinguishing the fire was a delicate operation. Delaware County hazmat crews were called in for support as multiple fire departments handled the blaze.

It was extinguished with no injuries reported.

The ramp was closed for several hours, which included crews collecting the electronics for safe transport. It reopened in the afternoon.