A TANKER LOADED WITH GASOLINE WAS CAUGHT UP in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 91 in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Friday morning.

AP / Republican photo

A mal-functioning automobile attempted to enter the freeway and stalled where it was struck by another car and then the tanker collided with it.  The truck then jacknifed into the guardrail and began burning.  It was carrying 9,600 gallons of gasoline and another 1,000 gals. of diesel.

AP / Republican

Initially the truck driver was trapped in the cab while the fire was building.  Numerous bystanders kept trying to rescue him even though the flames were repeatedly driving them back.  Finally they got him free before the tank itself started blowing.  The driver of the tractor trailer, whose name was not released pending notification of his family, was being treated for serious burns and other injuries at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. (An unconfirmed report says that the driver died this morning…..FG)

AP / Republican

The Springfield Republican has the complete STORY.
MassLive.com has an excellent photo gallery HERE.

Trackback This Post | Subscribe to the comments through RSS Feed