DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - The driver of a fuel tanker truck has died after, authorities said, the vehicle fell off a ramp on Interstate 595 in Davie and exploded.
Monday morning, 7SkyForce hovered above the blackened section of the ramp where, investigators said, the truck went over.
Florida Highway Patrol and Davie Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the crash near the Florida Turnpike, at around 3:45 p.m., Sunday.
Investigators said the driver was heading westbound when he struck the concrete wall on the right shoulder and flipped over.
Officials said the truck went over the wall. The vehicle was loaded with approximately 8,000 gallons of gasoline that ignited and exploded.
“He pretty much rolled over onto his roof, and he caught on fire at that time,” said FHP Lt. Yanko Reyes.
Several videos shared with 7News captured dense black smoke and flames coming from the tanker truck. The thick plume of smoke could be seen from miles away.
Officials said the driver, a 53-year-old man from Homestead, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the overturned truck caused a fuel spill.
Troopers shut down I-595 in both directions and the eastbound lanes of Davie Road, as well as the southbound entrance to I-595 from the Turnpike, while crews fought the flames and cleaned up the spill.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze. A Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue unit also responded to assist.
“Fire departments from Davie were here as well as we had three hazardous material teams,” said Davie Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Robert DiFerdinando.
“They were able to put out the fire extremely quick. The fire was also able to burn out by itself quickly,” said Reyes.
Diferdinando said firefighters helped prevent what could have been a bigger tragedy.
“A big concern at the beginning, but a lot of the drivers that were in the area were able to avoid it,” he said.
Sunday evening, hazmat crews worked around smoldered debris and charred concrete, as investigators try to determine what led up to the explosion.
“We don’t know if it was a malfunction of the truck, if it could have been a medical episode,” said Reyes.
The eastbound and westbound ramps from I-595 to the Turnpike remained closed for hours.
Just after 10 p.m., 7News cameras showed crews as they lifted the charred truck and cleared it from the area.
About an hour later, all lanes were back open.
Authorities have not disclosed the driver’s identity, as they continue to investigate.
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