One resident said he knew the day would come when a terrible accident would happen in the area of Centennial Blvd and 61st Avenue in West Nashville – it was just a matter of time. That time was today as a tanker truck loaded with fuel side-swiped a parked car and flipped over on its side. The driver scrambled to safety with minor injuries, but the truck then exploded in flames. The fireball and resulting rolling black smoke could be seen for miles. The fire department put massive amounts of flame retardant foam on the fire, choking it out, although authorities admit there is a slight chance it could re-ignite.
Residents were horrified when manhole covers began popping off, some traveling several feet in the air, due to the build up of fumes in the sewer system underneath the roads. That when the fire department and Metro Water Department knew they had a big problem on their hands as fuel had leaked into Richland Creek and the city’s sewer system. Manhole covers were removed around the area to allow the pressure to decrease and first responders will be on the scene for the next several hours to monitor the situation. Metro Water is actively tracking down fuel in the sewer and waterways to try to contain and remove it.
Several schools were placed on lockdown until authorites felt they had the volatile situation under control. Centennial Blvd is closed to traffic until the rig is removed and crews finish their hazardous materials removal operations.
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