Propane Tanker Explosion Forces Mass. Residents to Evacuate

PALMER, Mass. (AP) — Authorities say an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer carrying liquefied propane through western Massachusetts has crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames, forcing the evacuation of about 100 people who live nearby.

State Police Sgt. Matthew Murray says no injuries were reported in the crash Friday night in Palmer.

Palmer Emergency Management Director Donald C. Elliott tells The Republican newspaper that the truck was carrying about 100 gallons of propane and that officials decided to let the fire burn rather than letting firefighters near it.

Some roads have been blocked, but Palmer police Sgt. Christopher Burns tells WWLP-TV that the "hazard is diminishing." By Saturday morning the fire had died out, and people who were evacuated were allowed to return to their homes.