Tanker Crashes, Explodes; Kills 1, Injures 9, Damages Homes In New York
A gasoline tanker truck overturned and exploded early Tuesday on West Ridge Road, sparking a five-alarm fire that killed one person, sent at least nine people to hospitals, damaged at least five houses and mobilized every fire department in the county.
The tanker, with a capacity of 12,500 gallons, was traveling eastbound on West Ridge Road when it reached the curve at the intersection of Ridgeway Avenue, a block from Kodak Park.
Police Cmdr. Robert Wale said the 22-wheeler apparently failed to negotiate the 45-degree turn, striking a tree and a utility pole before overturning and exploding.
Witnesses gave graphic accounts of what they saw.