Horrifying moment raging inferno engulfs propane truck after it smashed into railroad bridge in Glenville, NY, leaving driver with horrific third-degree burns
A raging fire engulfed a propane truck after it crashed into a railroad bridge in upstate New York, leaving a 60-year-old driver with horrific third-degree burns.
Photos and videos captured the horrific explosion in Glenville, New York, after the 18-wheel propane tractor crashed into the Maple Avenue bridge Thursday evening.
Flames reached as high as 200 feet into the air and shock waves were felt more than six miles from the crash site.
The 60-year-old driver, Sylvester Basil Jr. of Clute, Texas, suffered third-degree burns to his hands and face. He was flown to Westchester Medical Center.
“It was a significant explosion,” said City Commissioner Chris Koetzle. 'It is by far the worst hit bridge.
A raging fire engulfed a propane truck after it crashed into a railroad bridge in upstate New York, leaving a 60-year-old driver with horrific third-degree burns
Photos and videos captured the explosion in Glenville, New York, after the 18-wheel propane tractor crashed into the Maple Avenue bridge Thursday evening.
The National Grid map showed that more than 1,200 people, including most residents and businesses on the city's east side, lost power in the crash.
Several households near the site were also evacuated.
“The vehicle was struck and three occupants were injured,” police said in a news release after the crash. “They were all transported to Albany Medical Center.”
Videos and photos from the blast site show a train moving along tracks, but authorities said it was not damaged.
“Because of the amount of fire that was here, I would assume the train was probably engulfed,” Glenville Police Chief Stephen Janik said.
Police said Basil traveled from Pennsylvania to make a delivery at an unknown location about an hour north of the crash site.
He did not recognize the warning signs indicating the low height and crashed into the bridge around 6:30 PM on Thursday, according to authorities.
“During the investigation, he indicated to officers that he had not seen the sign on the low bridge,” Janik said.
Despite suffering severe burns, authorities say the driver was conscious and walked himself to the ambulance.
Flames reached up to 60 meters into the air and shock waves were felt more than ten kilometers from the crash site
Police said Basil traveled from Pennsylvania to make a delivery to an unknown location about an hour north of the crash site
The National Grid map showed that more than 1,200 people, including most residents and businesses on the city's east side, lost power due to the crash.
The fire was brought under control after emergency crews, including state and local police and fire departments, arrived on the scene.
Peter Sweet, a former nurse with 20 years of experience at Ellis Medicine, said Daily Gazette When he returned home, he saw the power flashing on and off and smoke billowing into the air.
He followed emergency services to the scene and helped treat the driver after identifying himself as a nurse.
“I just kept him calm, asked where he was from and told him I would take good care of him,” Sweet said. “But his hands were badly burned.”
Police said Maple Avenue will be closed indefinitely while the crash scene is made safe and the investigation can be conducted.
'I wouldn't go near Hetcheltown [Road]Glenridge [Road] or Maple,” Koetzle said.
The city has gained notoriety in recent years for bridge attacks on several viaducts.
According to the nearby Glenridge Road bridge, there have been multiple collisions local reports.
“We need to bring the state and the county together, and we need to address this issue,” Koetzle said Thursday evening.
'This is a very dangerous area. Tonight just underlines that,” he said.