Driver Escapes Massive Tanker Explosion

NEEDHAM, Mass. -- Route 128 in Needham was shut down for several hours Saturday morning after a spectacular tanker explosion on the highway.

Cell Phone Video Captures Tanker Explosion | Photos: View Of Tanker Explosion

Thick black smoke could be seen over 10 miles away in Boston. The tanker was carrying 11,500 gallons of gasoline.

“Our guys at the Brighton barracks said they could see it from there,” said State police trooper Reuben Colon.

The fire and explosion happened just after 5:30 a.m., about one-quarter mile south of Exit 19-B.

Colon said that the driver of the tanker truck, Kevin Power, told police that he swerved to avoid a large piece of metal debris in the road. He lost control and the rig went off the road, flipped and exploded.

Power, 59, of Watertown, Mass., was able to escape and suffered only minor injuries.

“He was lucky to get out. He sustained some burns and injuries to his head,” Colon said.

The fire spread to both sides of the highway. “If it had been a busy commuting hour it would have been disastrous,” said Colon.

Power was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston for treatment.

Only a shell of the rig was left after the fire burned out. Because the gasoline burned quickly, there was little environmental damage, according to an EPA spokesman.

"We haven't seen too much, just minor impact," said Brent England.

The road was closed in both directions for over an hour after the crash, according to State police.

The northbound side of the highway was reopened just before 7 a.m. The southbound highway was reopened four hours after the crash at 9:45 a.m.

The tanker is owned by Brewer Petroleum. Owner Robbie Sullivan called the incident an "ordeal," but said he was grateful that the driver was not seriously injured.