The California Highway Patrol (CHP) says that two drivers are dead as a result of an explosive head on tanker truck crash near Cisco Grove.
Tow Truck Vs. Tanker Crash Results In Explosion
The crash happened around 10 a.m. after a tow truck collided head on with a tanker truck hauling gasoline on Highway 20 at I-80 in Placer County. Police say that the northbound tow truck crossed over into the southbound lanes, striking the tanker.
Reports: Highway 20 Closed At I-80 Due To Tanker Explosion https://t.co/IL0h8WB2JA pic.twitter.com/kObgR1xkKG
— CBS Sacramento CBS13 (@CBSSacramento) January 31, 2018
Both the tow truck driver and the tanker truck driver were killed. Their identities have not been released. No other injuries were reported.
CHP is still investigating the cause of the crash.
The tow truck belongs to Kilroy Towing. The tanker truck belongs to Williams Tank Lines.
The fire from the explosion has reportedly spread to nearby vegetation.
Authorities say that between 12,000 and 15,000 gallons of fuel spilled out.
CHP says Hwy 20 closed due to tanker truck collision 6 miles west of I-80/Hwy 20 Yuba Gap junction. EB closure at Scott’s Flat Road in Nevada City and WB closure at I-80. Vegetation fire reported. @FOX40 pic.twitter.com/rLzZYQovQU
— Doug Johnson (@DougJohnsonFX40) January 31, 2018
Highway 20 is shut down in both directions for the rest of the day. Caltrans says that the highway is closed eastbound at Scott’s Flat Road in Nevada City. The westbound Highway 20 closure is at I-80.
🛑🚧 Highway 20 is closed west of I-80 in Placer County due to collision between vehicle and tanker truck. Fire involved. Please avoid the area.
— Placer Sheriff (@PlacerSheriff) January 31, 2018
#TrafficAlert Hwy 20 closed due to tanker truck/vehicle collision @ 6miles west of I-80/Hwy 20 Yuba Gap junction. EB closure at Scott’s Flat Road in Nevada City and WB closure at I-80. Vegetation fire reported. No ETO. pic.twitter.com/CqDUgfsQJr
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) January 31, 2018