News

Actions

Panda Express workers flee fiery tanker truck crash in Central California

Posted at 9:02 AM, May 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-24 12:28:46-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV)--A truck driver died Tuesday after his truck full of gasoline burst into flames along Highway 99 in the Central California city of Atwater.

Explosions sent workers running from a nearby Panda Express restaurant.  Witnesses described waves of flame rolling down the highway.

The California Highway Patrol says the body of the truck driver was found later.  No one else was injured in the explosions.

Cal Fire division chief Mark Lawson said authorities fear the spilled fuel may also make its way into drinking water.  Officers have reopened the affected stretch of Highway 99, but several businesses remain closed Wednesday while authorities check for gas leaks and other damage.