Driver dies in massive tanker fire in Central Valley

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Driver dies in massive tanker fire in Central Valley

A truck driver is dead after a series of fiery explosions on a Central California highway, when his truck burst into flames as it was delivering gasoline. Video courtesy of Guy Vesco.

ATWATER, Calif. -- Caltrans said Southbound Highway 99 has reopened after a tanker truck overturned, causing a large fire on Applegate Road near the freeway. The southbound Applegate exit remains closed.

A large fire was burning near Highway 99 and Applegate Road in Atwater, Calif. on May 23, 2017.

According to a Cal Fire official, a tanker truck ran off Highway 99, crashed, and exploded into flames. CHP said the driver of the tanker died at the scene.

Action News has a crew on the way and we will update this story as more information becomes available.