Tanker Explodes In Central Florida

Jan. 24, 2006
Troopers said flames reached 50 feet in the air

A tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of fuel exploded on Interstate 95 in Flagler County, Fla., late Monday, forcing authorities to close all southbound lanes of the busy road, according to Local 6 News.

The driver of the tanker, Wayne McNeil, said he was cut off by a car while traveling on I-95 between Palm Coast Parkway and U.S. 1 Monday night. McNeil said he lost control and rolled the tanker.

The vehicle quickly caught fire, according to the report.

A motorist noticed the cash and pulled McNeil out of the tanker's cab minutes before it exploded.

Witnesses said they heard or saw three different explosions after McNeil was pulled to safety.

Palm Coast Fire Chief Mike Beadle said the truck melted in the fire.

"The frame of the truck, part of the tank and the engine block are basically the only things left on the vehicle," Beadle said.

Troopers said flames reached 50 feet in the air before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control.

The southbound lanes of I-95 remained closed to traffic late Monday. The road was reopened early Tuesday.

McNeil was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive injuries he sustained in the crash.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

Copyright 2006 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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