EVERETT, Mass. -- A tanker truck overturned and exploded early Wednesday in a blue-collar town north of Boston, forcing the evacuation of more than 100 people.
At least two multi-family houses in Everett burned, along with about 20 cars, The Boston Globe reported. Firefighters emptied a building housing the elderly.
"It looked like a war zone," Everett Fire Chief David Butler said. "They had heavy fire conditions. Two buildings fully involved in fire. ... They had a pretty serious situation."
No serious injuries were reported.
The truck driver, Chad LaFrance of Dover, N.H., was given tickets for speeding and for failing to have a federal medical certificate with him. He left with a safety officer for his employer, P.S. Marston Associates of North Hampton, N.H.
An eyewitness said the truck was going too fast around a traffic circle before the crash. Gas spilling from the tanker burst into flames, creating a river of fire down Main Street.
When firefighters arrived, they found manholes popping and flames shooting from houses and cars. Fifteen fire departments responded to the scene.
Copyright © 2007, by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
