Crash causes explosion, but no fire, CHP said
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A tractor-trailer hit a compressed natural gas tank at the Valero gas station on Highway 58 and Tracy Avenue around 4 p.m. Friday, according to the Kern County Fire Department.
When fire crews arrived on the scene, the canopy above the compresses natural gas island had collapsed after the crash, KCFD Capt. Mike Nicholas said.
The only injuries were to the driver of the tractor-trailer, who was taken by ambulance to an area hospital. The extent of his injuries is unknown, Nicholas said.
"There are no leaks, no fire, no other victims," he said. "We're just securing the scene right now."
Westbound Highway 58 was closed, but Nicholas expected it to be reopened shortly.
"We're wrapping it up right now," he said.
A family in an SUV was at the island at the gas station when the tractor-trailer hit, but everyone in the car escaped injury.
The fire department was keeping people well back from the gas station as there were still a couple of natural gas tanks they were concerned about.
