Double-tanker explosion, fire sends burning fuel into San Diego storm drains, closes roads

San Diego tanker truck overturns, explodes

SAN DIEGO — Authorities say a double-tanker truck carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline exploded into flames in San Diego’s Otay Mesa area after the truck’s rear tanker overturned, sending streams of burning fuel into storm drains and forcing the evacuation of several nearby businesses.

San Diego fire spokesman Maurice Luque (LOO’-kay) says the accident happened at about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday about 1,000 feet east of Interstate 805. By 7 p.m. the flames had burned themselves out, but several roads remained closed and firefighters were still cleaning up the spilled fuel.

Luque says the driver of the truck escaped unhurt.

The explosion created billowing black smoke that could be seen for miles.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating the accident.

Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com