MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A crash involving an 18-wheeler carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline in South Memphis led to a massive fire late Thursday night on Mallory Avenue, just off Interstate 55, fire officials said.
The vehicle fire occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, and flames quickly grew out of control, reaching as high as the interstate overpass. Officials said an 18-wheeler had been involved in a crash, causing it to overturn.
Memphis firefighters arrived soon after, reporting the tanker was fully enveloped with 7,800 gallons of gasoline.
Thirty-five fire vehicles made the scene along with 93 personnel to battle the fire overnight, working to put the fire out and to prevent it from spreading toward the nearby Valero refinery.
ABC24 crews on scene also saw an ambulance on scene and a huge plume of smoke in the air as of around 10:30 p.m.
Fire officials said they had the fire under control just after 11 p.m. No civilians or firefighters were injured. The total damage caused is currently unknown.
A truck driver told Memphis Police officers he was traveling west on Mallory Avenue toward I-55 when a sedan tried to make a U-turn onto the interstate. He swerved to avoid a collision with the sedan, which caused the tanker to turn over.
The truck was completely burned. Police said records showed the driver had a canceled CDL as of Oct. 7, 2024, for not filing a medical/disability certification. The driver was given a citation for not having a state driver's license.
As of Friday morning, Interstate 55 is back open, but crews are still working on crash cleanup off of the Mallory Avenue exit.
You can watch ABC24's live coverage of the fire below:
