Fuel tanker explodes at Nashville, TN gas station; driver critically burned

2010-03-10 05:46:07 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Personal Injury)

One injured in Memphis, TN fuel tanker explosion.

Legal News for Tennessee Personal Injury Attorneys. A truck driver suffered severe injuries when the fuel tanker he had been driving exploded at a gas station.

Tennessee personal injury attorney alerts- Nashville Fire Department dispatched to scene of fuel tanker explosion and blaze.

Nashville, TN (News)—A truck driver was severely burned after a fuel tanker explosion occurred at a gas station in close proximity to the Nashville International Airport (BNA) on Tuesday morning, March 9, 2010. The motorist who had been driving the tanker was reportly standing outside of the truck when it burst into flames for unknown reasons, as reported by WSMV.com.

According to Nashville Fire Department (NFD) officials, the tanker was transporting fuel between the gas station’s underground gas tanks when the blast and fire happened. The tanker was reportedly empty at the time. The blaze broke out at approximately 8:30 a.m. at a Raceway gas station on Donelson Pike. Witnesses at the scene reported flames reached approximately 30 feet, while a guest at a nearby hotel claimed hearing multiple explosions, seemingly causing the building to shake. Donelson Pike was closed pending preliminary investigations but was reopened to the public at 10:30 a.m.

The 68-year-old truck driver suffered burns to 60 percent of his body after the blast was detonated and the blaze broke out. Fire rescue personnel seemingly transported the badly injured man to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to be treated by doctors and nurses. Authorities have not released the injured truck driver’s identity. The tanker’s cab and engine were apparently destroyed in the incident. Investigations into the cause of the explosion and fire are reportedly underway.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers.