A tractor-trailer explosion closed a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in New Stanton and left drivers stuck for more than three hours early Tuesday morning, according to New Stanton Fire Chief Rob Cammarata.
A 911 dispatcher said one tractor-trailer collided with another, which was stopped, around 4:45 a.m. The rear truck exploded in the collision.
“When we arrived on scene it was completely engulfed,” Cammarata said.
On scene Pa Turnpike vehicle accident Two trailer trucks with explosion. 75 mile post west . West bound completely closed pic.twitter.com/w2qysttiPM
— Lloyd Crago (@Firechief26) December 24, 2019
The trucks’ fuel tanks ruptured, spilling 200 gallons of diesel fuel, much of which ignited.
“There wasn’t much in the truck that burned, it was mostly a fuel fire that we were extinguishing,” Cammarata said.
The rear truck was carrying automotive batteries.
Firefighters used foam to extinguish the fire and prevent it from reigniting.
Two people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Cammarata said.
All westbound lanes of the turnpike near the New Stanton interchange were closed as firefighters battled the blaze.
The turnpike reopened around 8:45 a.m.
ALL Westbound lanes are now OPEN and the detour has been lifted at Somerset Exit #110. Emergency units continue to operate in the area of the New Stanton Exit #75. Stay alert for units on the shoulder. https://t.co/3xCbVPACi4
— PA Turnpike Alerts (@PATurnpikeAlert) December 24, 2019
New Stanton Volunteer Fire Department, four other departments and the county hazmat team responded to the scene, according to 911.
