STAR CITY, W.Va. — Investigators with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said Monday they believe a tire blowout caused the fiery tanker truck crash along Interstate 79 Friday afternoon. The accident happened around 2 p.m. and shut the highway down for several hours.
Accident reconstructionists worked through the weekend putting together physical evidence with witness statements to come to a conclusion on what started the crash.
“We had some witnesses that were following the vehicle that gave statements and it appeared to be a right-rear tire that blew out,” reported Chief Deputy Perry Palmer on Morgantown A.M. on WAJR Radio in Morgantown Monday.
The driver of the rig, Casey Joseph, 26, Washington, Pa. , was able to pull himself from the rig and survived the crash. He was flown by HealthNet to a Pittsburgh hospital for his injuries.
Meanwhile, crews had a hard time battling the fire that ensued from the crash. The tanker was hauling 4,500 gallons of diesel fuel. The flames were so hot firefighters were not able to get close enough to fight the blaze.
“Our people said finally the Department of Highways was able to use one of their end-loaders and put dirt on top of the tanker itself so our people could do their investigation,” said Palmer.
No one else was injured in the incident.