Massive Tanker Explosion Kills Truck Driver, Injures Six Others
A tanker truck driver lost his life yesterday after a series of crashes and explosions on Highway 40 in Montreal.
Diesel Fuel Tanker Exploded Several Times After Crash
Canadian authorities say that four vehicles including a tanker hauling diesel fuel collided on Highway 40 westbound at 4 p.m. yesterday. Investigators believe that the crash was caused by a car that was stopped on the highway.
Good Samaritan Attempted To Rescue Truck Driver
Shortly after the crash, witnesses on the 17th floor of a nearby building captured video of a man believed to be the driver of another truck involved in the crash attempting to rescue the tanker truck driver. As the flames start to spread, the video shows the man attempt to open the driver’s side door and then crossing over to try to get the driver out through the passenger side door before the heat becomes too much for him.
The crash caused several explosions and the flames grew hot enough to melt the asphalt on the highway. The black smoke could be seen for miles.
there was a major fire on the highway today in montreal.. Sadly someone died. Praying for his/her family 😔 pic.twitter.com/PBWmgszHbT
— maryam (@juxtinkidrauhl) August 10, 2016
Crews Battle The Fire For Over Two Hours
RT @melestudio: Tanker truck fire in the metropolitan. Second video. #Montreal #metropolitan pic.twitter.com/oRdDu6a89e
— Pete Stevens (@indoblue82) August 9, 2016
Over 100 firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours before they were able to put the fire out.
Six people were injured in the crash. Two of those people were transported to the hospital.
Highway 40 eastbound has reopened, but officials are still inspecting the westbound lanes for structural damage from the fire.
The crash is still under investigation.
Fire on the metropolitan. #Montreal #fire pic.twitter.com/dQfYUW8PHw
— Chris Vice (@Big_Chris85) August 9, 2016
Sources:
The National Post
CJAD
CBC
Global News CA