Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- A fiery tanker truck crash and explosion has shut down Interstate 91 in Chicopee.

The Massachusetts State Police said the crash occurred just after 9:30 this morning as the truck carrying diesel fuel was traveling north on Route 91.

Peter Judge, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, said the fire engulfed three cars, but he had no immediate word on injuries to anyone in those vehicles.

The driver worked for Abenaqui Carriers of North Hampton, N.H. A driver for the same company rolled over a fuel tanker in Everett in December, sparking a fire that severely damaged several homes and destroyed dozens of cars.

A spokesman for Abenaqui said the driver was hurt Friday and taken to an area hospital. He did not know the driver’s condition, and did not have further details.

Diesel fuel spilled on the highway, but Judge said the accident occurred on an area of the highway that is relatively isolated and that he did not expect homes or businesses to be affected.

The fire was still burning more than 90 minutes after the crash, and smoke could be seen for miles.

-- The Associated Press

Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.