As the investigation of a fiery tanker truck explosion in New Jersey continues, new details have been revealed regarding what the truck driver may have been doing moments before the accident.
The truck was involved in a fiery crash in South Jersey Feb. 23. The TK Transport truck was carrying approximately 8,000 gallons of fuel when it ignited on the Route 90 eastbound on-ramp to US 130 north in Pennsauken, just east of the Betsy Ross Bridge.
Pennsauken Police Captain Michael Probasco told NBC10 the truck overturned around 11 a.m. while its driver navigated the ramp. The driver somehow lost control sending the truck into a guardrail before landing on Delaware River Port Authority land. The impact ruptured the tractor-trailer's tank and the gasoline began to burn.
The driver was rescued from the burning vehicle by police arriving on scene. He was taken to Cooper Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. No one else was hurt.
Flaming fuel poured out of the truck, running across the ramp, down an embankment and perilously close to the backyards of homes. A second fire started in a small wooded area behind homes.
Thirty homes near the crash were evacuated as a safety precaution. The residents were later allowed back inside after the area was deemed safe
Law enforcement sources close to the investigation told NBC10 officials subpoenaed the driver’s cell phone records to find out if he was talking or texting moments before the crash. The sources also said that in the moments after the accident, the driver ran from the burning truck and allegedly told police, “I think I was going too fast.”
The Delaware River Port Authority says TK Transport’s insurance company will absorb the initial $115,000 in temporary repairs to the road surface, embankment and electrical restoration.
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Officials with TK told NBC10 the driver has not returned to his position but has not been fired either. The company also confirmed that while they are not allowed to transport gasoline, they contract to a larger company called Penn Tank Lines which is authorized to carry gas. TK normally leases their tankers and drivers to Penn Tank Lines though the company did not confirm whether the driver in the recent crash was leased.
The DRPA is currently reviewing video of the aftermath of the accident and have to decide within 30 days whether or not they should file any charges.
Meanwhile, Pennsauken Township officials mailed letters to affected residents offering health, property damage and environmental resources if they need it.
“Kudos to Pennsauken because they’re right on top of things,” said Pennsauken resident Joyce Brocchi. “I really appreciate that.”
Sources told NBC10 there’s upclose police dashcam video of the moments after the tanker exploded. NBC10 asked the DRPA for the video but we have not yet heard back from them.
