Driver Killed After Tanker Truck Explodes In Atwater, California

Fire crews are investigating a Tanker explosion in Atwater near Highway 99 that killed one person. Southbound Highway 99 is closed at Westside Boulevard due to the tanker fire at Applegate Road. About 200 people in the area were evacuated. The tanker had just loaded up on fuel in Stockton and was making a delivery to an AM/PM in Atwater. It was hauling about 8,600 gallons of fuel and was just about a quarter mile from its destination. Highway Patrol investigators believe the truck was going too fast while exiting Highway 99, and hit a concrete divider. The truck then tipped and its fuel started to spill and ignite.