A FULLY LOADED
10,000-GALLON TANKER TRUCK COLLIDED WITH A WORK TRUCK CAUSING EXPLOSION AND
FIRE. TANKER TRUCK DRIVER SERIOUSLY
BURNED IN FUEL EXPLOSION AND FIRE ACCIDENT IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA.
update
update
ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) -
Gandy Boulevard has finally reopened after an overnight
crash involving two trucks that resulted in a fiery explosion.
The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. near the corner of
Gandy Boulevard and 4th Street North. St. Pete Fire and Rescue said the tanker
was carrying about 10,000 gallons of fuel, which spilled and quickly ignited
into a huge ball of flames.
The incident was classified as a three-alarm fire, and
soon upgraded to a hazardous materials situation. A total of 17 units in the
St. Pete area responded to the scene.
HAZMAT crews used a foam material, which mixes with
water and acts as a blanket for the flames, to help extinguish the fire.
The driver of the tanker, Jason Burgos of Spring
Hill, reportedly got out of the truck without assistance, but was flown to
Tampa General Hospital where he is now be treated for life-threatening
injuries.
Medical personnel at the scene said Burgos received second-
and third-degree burns, mainly to his face, torso and legs.
The driver of the utility truck, identified as Jerry N.
Freeman, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center with fractures and lacerations to
the face.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, but the
road was closed for cleanup and repair until almost 4 p.m.
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Accident occurred at Gandy Blvd. & 4th St. North
St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue responded around 12:36 a.m. to a crash involving a utility truck and tanker truck at the intersection of Gandy Boulevard, Roosevelt Boulevard and 4th Street North.
Police say a fully loaded tanker was westbound on Gandy when it collided with a work truck from Preferred Materials Inc. that was traveling southbound on Roosevelt.
The tanker was carrying approximately 10,000 gallons of fuel, much of which spilled during the accident. Somehow, the fuel ignited, causing a huge fireball.
It took firefighters over an hour to extinguish the flames.
The driver of the tanker truck, Jason Burgos of Spring Hill, received second- and third-degree burns over 60 percent of his body. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital's Burn Unit for specialized care. Authorities say his injuries are life-threatening.
The driver of the utility driver, Jerry Freeman, suffered minor facial
fractures and is being treated at Bayfront Medical Center.
A lot of construction is occurring right now at that intersection as crews build an overpass for Gandy over 4th Street North.
Westbound Gandy Boulevard will be closed until the road can be cleaned up and inspected by Florida Department of Transportation officials.
Crews need to verify the asphalt was not damaged by the inferno and the roadway is safe to drive on. Police hope to have one lane open by noon.
DOT officials will also need to inspect the new overpass under construction to see if the heat damaged it.
Investigators have conflicting information on the cause of the crash. Officials say both vehicles went through the intersection at the same time, but it is unclear which driver may have been at fault.
St. Petersburg Police are encouraging any witnesses to contact the department at (727) 893-7780 with any information they may have regarding the crash.
A lot of construction is occurring right now at that intersection as crews build an overpass for Gandy over 4th Street North.
Westbound Gandy Boulevard will be closed until the road can be cleaned up and inspected by Florida Department of Transportation officials.
Crews need to verify the asphalt was not damaged by the inferno and the roadway is safe to drive on. Police hope to have one lane open by noon.
DOT officials will also need to inspect the new overpass under construction to see if the heat damaged it.
Investigators have conflicting information on the cause of the crash. Officials say both vehicles went through the intersection at the same time, but it is unclear which driver may have been at fault.
St. Petersburg Police are encouraging any witnesses to contact the department at (727) 893-7780 with any information they may have regarding the crash.
