A fuel tanker parked outside a convenience store in Leitchfield, KY exploded while offloading fuel on Friday afternoon. Fire crews from three cities responded to the scene. They described seeing a large hole in the rear of the tanker, which was engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. Local residents were asked to avoid the area while crews cleaned up the scene.
Authorities believe the explosion was caused by static electricity at the hookup point. Each fuel truck contains multiple fuel cells which allows them to carry gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene at the same time. The tanker involved in the explosion was mostly empty but one fuel cell had product in it at the time. Leitchfield Fire Chief Tim Duvall said the vapors are more flammable than the actual liquid fuel. Crews used foam to extinguish the fire and cover the surrounding area to help dilute any remaining fuel vapors.
