Crash Sparks Explosion, Fire In Northwest Oklahoma City

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A passenger car collided with a tanker near N.W. Expressway and Sara Road Friday morning, sparking an explosion and setting some nearby brush on fire.

Firefighters have reported the tanker was holding 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel, and its gas tank held about 1,500 gallons. Those tanks ruptured and exploded, sending columns of fire and dark smoke shooting into the sky.  

Firefighters sprayed foam on the burning fuel to get it under control.  It took them about 90 minutes to put out the flames. 

Although the explosion did set some nearby grass on fire, the flames didn't spread quickly because of light winds.  Battalion Chief Brian Stanaland with the Oklahoma City Fire Department said the crash happened right next to some green wheat fields, which did not burn.

Fortunately, the drivers of both vehicles were not seriously injured and are expected to be okay.

N.W. Expressway between Surrey Hills Blvd. and Morgan Road will remain closed for several hours.  Not only do crews have to clean up the wreck, but the explosion and fire damaged the road.  At least one lane will remain closed through the weekend.