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charm
Senior Member
264 Posts |
 Posted - 12/05/2007 : 05:49:04 AM
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A TANKER TRUCK LOST HIS GAS LOAD EARLIER THIS MORNING SETTING OFF A NUMBER OF FIRES IN THE MAIN STREET AREA
WBZTV.COM HAS BEEN THERE SINCE AFTER 1A.M THIS MORNING
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michael
Senior Member
195 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 05:51:56 AM
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Tanker Explosion Ignites Homes, Cars In Everett
More Than 100 People Evacuated
EVERETT (WBZ) ¯ More than 100 people were evacuated from their homes in Everett early Wednesday morning when a fuel tanker exploded, igniting dozens of cars and several homes in flames.
It happened shortly after 1 a.m. The tanker had just filled with fuel in Everett and was carrying 9,000 gallons, when it rolled over on the Route 16/Route 99 rotary. The tanker exploded, igniting a massive fire. According to State Police, the driver lost control as he came around the rotary.
Fuel from the tanker spilled down an embankment into an adjacent neighborhood. At least three homes in that neighborhood caught fire. At least 40 cars were also ignited in the blaze. Incredibly, there are no injuries reported.
Neighbors said they awoke to what sounded like a series of gunshots. The sound turned out to be the sound of cars exploding from the fire and heat.
The impact of the explosion has also caused a leak in a natural gas main.
Three multi-family homes caught fire. WBZ-TV's Sera Congi reports that two of those buildings were home to six families each; the third was a three-family home.
An area of about a half-square mile is evacuated. Those residents have taken shelter at the Armory on Chelsea Street in Everett.
More than 150 firefighters are on the scene from surrounding communities. The Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Coast Guard and Hazardous Materials crews are on scene.
Authorities had hoped to have the rotary re-opened for the morning commute, though that will not happen. WBZ-TV traffic reporter Rich Kirkland said this will cause big problems for commuters. The route is a popular alternate route to I-93 South or Route 1 into Boston. Route 99 and the Revere Beach Parkway will be inaccessible. If you normally drive to Boston via I-93 South or the Tobin Bridge, expect plenty of extra company Wednesday.
The Everett Superintendent of Schools tells WBZ-TV that the Whitter Elementary School will be closed for students Wednesday. Staff members are asked to report to the old Everett High School.
I changed gouther school to whitter when I re post the article
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EverettsPride
Advanced Member
1140 Posts |
 Posted - 12/05/2007 : 06:49:54 AM
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I woke up to the sound of helicopters, and knew something was wrong. Thank god it did not happen on the other side of the rotary where the tanks are. I hope everyone made it out safely. The armory is open as a shelter for many in the area.
Sally |
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supawing
Member
7 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 07:50:10 AM
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| saw chief butler on the news this morning, looks like they did a great job containing the fire and getting people to safety. No firefighters hurt either which is a miracle when you look at what they were up against |
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charm
Senior Member
264 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 09:55:38 AM
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Tanker Explosion Ignites Homes, Cars In Everett
Nearly 200 People Evacuated
EVERETT (WBZ) ¯ Nearly 200 people were evacuated from their homes in Everett early Wednesday morning when a fuel tanker exploded, igniting dozens of cars and several homes in flames.
UPDATED 2 HRS AGO
It happened shortly after 1 a.m. The tanker had just filled with fuel in Everett and was carrying 9,000 gallons, when it rolled over on the Route 16/Route 99 rotary. The tanker exploded, igniting a massive fire. According to State Police, the driver lost control as he came around the rotary.
State Police have cited the driver of the tanker, 30 year old Chad Lafrance of Dover, New Hampshire, for speeding. Several had witnesses told police that the truck was speeding just before the accident.
Lafrance reportedly was working for Abenaqui Carriers of North Hampton, New Hampshire. Calls to the business were not answered. The tanker truck appeared to have Vermont license plates.
According to police, the roads were dry at the time of the accident.
Fuel from the tanker spilled down an embankment into an adjacent neighborhood. At least three homes in that neighborhood caught fire.
"The fire has been contained to those buildings," Everett Fire Chief David Butler told WBZ-TV's David Wade. "We have accounted for almost all the occupants."
Neighbors said they awoke to what sounded like a series of gunshots. The sound turned out to be the sound of cars exploding from the fire and heat. At least 40 cars were also ignited in the blaze. Incredibly, there are no injuries reported.
Three multi-family homes caught fire. WBZ-TV's Sera Congi reports that two of those buildings were home to six families each; the third was a three-family home.
An area of about a half-square mile is evacuated, displacing 150 – 200 people. That includes more than 80 residents from an elderly housing complex. Those residents have taken shelter at the Armory on Chelsea Street in Everett.
The armory is asking for any donations of warm clothes for those people displaced from their homes. Donations of things like jackets, pants, shirts, sweatshirts and pants, socks, and hats can all be dropped of at the armory on 19 Chelsea Street in Everett.
More than 150 firefighters are on the scene from surrounding communities. The Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Coast Guard and Hazardous Materials crews are on scene.
"We still have environmental concerns we area addressing, as far as the fuel spill," Chief Butler said.
Authorities had hoped to have the rotary re-opened for part of the morning commute, though police are urging commuters to avoid the area. WBZ-TV traffic reporter Rich Kirkland said this will cause big problems for commuters. The route is a popular alternate route to I-93 South or Route 1 into Boston. Route 99 will be inaccessible. If you normally drive to Boston via I-93 South or the Tobin Bridge, expect plenty of extra company Wednesday.
The Everett Superintendent of Schools tells WBZ-TV that the Whittier Elementary School will be closed for students Wednesday. Staff members are asked to report to the old Everett High School.
Stay with WBZ-TV and wbztv.com for developments.
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EverettsPride
Advanced Member
1140 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 10:49:57 AM
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I just drove to the rotary and down the Parkway. I could not believe the scene. Thank god everyone is ok. The smell even now is nauseating.
Sally |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 10:57:24 AM
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| Our first responders did a great job. The Eagle Bank has set up a fund to help those who have been displaced. This could have been so much worse. |
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arthur
Senior Member
212 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 12:53:54 PM
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TheBostonChannel.com
Related To Story
Truck Driver Has Speeding Record
Company Involved In Other Recent Accidents
POSTED: 12:19 pm EST December 5, 2007
UPDATED: 12:30 pm EST December 5, 2007
BOSTON -- Records show the trucker involved in Wednesday morning's gasoline tanker accident in Everett has had some speeding and other violations on his personal vehicle. But his commercial license is valid.
The New Hampshire trucking company Chad LaFrance works for has been involved in four other accidents over the past two years, but has an above-average safety inspection record.
State Police identified the driver as LaFrance, 30, of Dover, N.H.
Records in New Hampshire list three speeding violations a few years ago involving LaFrance's personal vehicle. LaFrance's record also lists two failures to have his vehicle inspected.
LaFrance worked for Abenaqui Carriers, of North Hampton, N.H.
Federal records for Abenaqui's corporate owner give it a "satisfactory" safety rating. The company has better-than-average inspection records relating to vehicles, drivers and hazardous materials.
"We want to express our concern for the families and individuals that were impacted by this unfortunate incident, and we are gratified by the reports that there have been no personal injuries at this time," said Paul Marston, of Abenaqui Carriers.
Copyright 2007 by TheBostonChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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EverettsPride
Advanced Member
1140 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 3:10:44 PM
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It was great to watch the news and see how the community is coming together. The checks to Eagle Bank should be made out to the Main Street Fire Fund. I am putting a check in the mail ASAP.
Sally |
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Lynda
Advanced Member
1282 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 3:37:25 PM
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| Just got back from the Everett Co-operative bank where I had to make a deposit and there was a Bowl set up for donations for the victims. I agree with Sally, it made me smile to see that people do care about each other. And, YES, I did make a contribution! |
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EverettsPride
Advanced Member
1140 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2007 : 4:57:02 PM
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I cannot imagine what those families are going through, and at this time of year it is so much worse. I think it is a miracle that there are no casualties. I am listening to the scanner and they are trying to figure out what to do with all the donations of clothing and home goods, they are overwhelmed. Better too much than not enough.
Sally |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2007 : 3:02:26 PM
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| I just came from Targets and drove by the area. Both houses are already down and the rotary has been resurfaced. It is truly amazing how things can be done when everyone works together. If you drive by the armory and look in the front door into the hall, you will see tons and tons of donations. The people of our community have really been touched and are so willing to help out, it reminds us all why we are still in Everett. |
Edited by - massdee on 12/06/2007 3:07:16 PM |
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EverettsPride
Advanced Member
1140 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2007 : 4:20:29 PM
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I agree, it is too bad it took something like this to bring this community together. I am so glad to hear about the donations. My son has a boy in his class who lived in one of the houses. I am glad to know they will all be helped out.
Sally |
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wanda bee
Member
54 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2007 : 4:38:49 PM
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I went to the Armory yesterday to volunteer.
Everyone was great, I can say I am proud I am from Everett.
Some of the Elected Officals were there helping out as well,
Millie Cardello, Michael Mangan, James Keane, Lorrie Bruno, Sal DiDomenico, Charles DiPerri, Stephanie and Stephen Smith, Joe Hickey, Rosa DiFlorio, and Cynthia Sarnie.
They should all be commended for stepping up to the plate. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2007 : 5:20:56 PM
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| I was listening to the news, Bill Shields said that enough clothes have been donated. The families need things like pots and pans, dishes, glasses, sheets, blankets all the things we just take for granted. I can't even begin to imagine losing everything. Some of these families are only going to be able to stay at the Hotel until Friday. We have thirteen families that need a home. If anyone has an empty apartment, I hope they let the city know, so these families can be placed. |
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Fran
Senior Member
250 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2007 : 5:47:59 PM
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| The terrain stopped this from becoming an even greater disaster if you can imagine it. Main St comes into the Circle at a downward angle which caused the gas to pool the way it did back towards the circle. If Main St instead went downhill the burning gas would have went further down Main St and caused extreme carnage. Just my observation. I still can't believe no one got hurt and am thankful. Last year during the holidays there was the Danvers explosion and no one got hurt and this year Everett. |
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MAIN ST FIRE LOOKS LIKE WAR ZONE
