A tanker truck carrying gasoline caught fire on Highway 20, causing a major traffic disruption and prompting a response from emergency services.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near the exit for Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, in the westbound lanes of the highway. According to witnesses, the truck was engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke into the air.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is believed that a mechanical issue may have sparked the blaze. The driver of the truck was able to escape unharmed and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
The fire quickly spread to the surrounding area, including a nearby wooded area. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further, but the highway was closed for several hours as a precaution.
The tanker truck was carrying approximately 40,000 litres of gasoline, which posed a significant risk to the surrounding area. As a result, residents in the nearby area were advised to stay indoors and close their windows as a precaution.
Emergency services were able to extinguish the fire and the highway was reopened to traffic later in the evening. However, the cleanup process is expected to take several days, as the spilled gasoline must be properly contained and removed.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of transporting hazardous materials on our highways. It also highlights the quick and efficient response of emergency services in handling such situations.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and are urging anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, drivers are advised to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings while on the road.
This incident serves as a reminder to always be prepared for unexpected situations and to follow all safety protocols when transporting hazardous materials.
