Tanker-truck explosion site known to be dangerous for trucks

CTV Montreal: Details emerge in tanker explosion A 50-year-old driver is dead after a tanker-truck exploded in Charlemagne, leaving many questions about how dangerous the area might be.

More details emerged Monday about the tanker truck that flipped and caught fire in Charlemagne Sunday, killing the driver and injuring two others.

The 50-year-old driver had just begun his shift, when he tried to negotiate a curve from Highway 640 to Highway 40 in Charlemagne.

The truck rolled over, spilling and 45,000 L of gasoline and igniting, creating a large black cloud of smoke that could be seen for kilometres.

Another tractor-trailer and several vehicles also crashed, and two people suffered what are described as minor injuries.

Police cannot determine the exact cause of the crash, but believe the driver didn’t adjust his speed as he approached the sharp turn.

Only 200 metres away from the crash site is a warning side, letting truckers know they could flip in that area.

Witness Johanne Drouin said the ground shook.

“We saw the first explosion. The flames shot up high into the sky, then there were four more explosions. We could feel the intense heat,” she said.

Often when tankers flip, the oil leaks, but it doesn't necessarily catch fire.

Police believe this van passing in the other direction may have somehow sparked it.

“What we know for now is that the minivan took fire, so did he roll on the gas before, it could be possible,” said SQ spokesperson Audrey-Anne Bilodeau.

The highway was closed for about 15 hours before being re-opened, although the roadway was badly damaged.

While it has since re-opened to traffic, but any time a vehicle goes over the road its wheels kick up a large cloud of dust.

Transport Quebec said it will repave the highway but could not provide a timeline for repairs.

Co-workers mourn

The 50-year-old truck driver, whose identity has not been released, was a father of two who had worked for GHL Transport since 2011.

Rick Leckner, a spokesperson for the company, said the man was well known and well liked.

"He's been with the company since 2011, with 3 years’ experience. He was known by all, had a good record. The situation is pretty tough this morning," said Leckner. "The director of the company was here all night to meet with his workers, to console them."

Grief counsellors were brought in to talk with any employee who wanted to talk about the crash.

Local residents concerned

People who live nearby want Transport Quebec to do something to make the area safer. Some say there are far too many truck accidents in the area.

“We've been living here since the 90's, and it seems there's at least one truck accident every year,” said one local resident.

Many drivers who haul oil say it's a tragic reminder of how dangerous their jobs can be

“Well it could have happened to me what happened; it could happen to anybody,” said trucker Raymond Nantel.