At approximately 0803 EST, initial reports indicated that a large plume of smoke was caused by a structure fire at the intersection of North Mississippi Avenue and North Fremont Street in Portland Oregon. However, by 0810 EST, reports quickly corrected that the fire was due to ignition on a truck carrying propane tanks on Interstate 5 northbound at Going Street. Eyewitnesses reported secondary explosions and a large plume.
@KATUNews @KGWNews @KOINNews What the heck is going on out there?? Series of large explosions and lots of emergency vehicles in north Portland! pic.twitter.com/hr8zbWlCiu
— SideStreet (@SideStreetMaps) June 18, 2024
Portland Fire on scene of a fully involved trailer carrying propane tanks on northbound I5 at Going.
Traffic on freeway shut down in both directions for safety due to exploding canisters.
Skidmore overpass also closed for safety precautions.
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) June 18, 2024
By 0830 EST, emergency services had arrived on scene and expanded the cordon, shutting down traffic both ways on I-5 and closing Skidmore overpass. As of this publication the fire is not under control.
Portland Fire and Rescue has warned commuters that significant delays should be expected.
Traffic being diverted off the freeway. Expect delays in any early morning commutes headed through Portland on I5. pic.twitter.com/mw6x4Eq3mm
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) June 18, 2024
This is developing.
