Update on fiery tanker explosion in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 36-year-old man from North Highlands, California has been identified as the driver of the gasoline tanker involved in Saturday's deadly crash and explosion.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has released more information based on its investigation. No names are being released at this time.

On September 7 at approximately 11:45 a.m. a tanker truck and trailer fully loaded

with 8,400 gallons of fuel was heading towards South Lake Tahoe from Meyers along Highway 50 at an estimated 50 mph. As it approached Elks Club Drive and began into the intersection, a Toyota Prius entered the intersection to make a left-hand turn and head west on the highway, directly in front of the tanker.

The driver of the tanker truck braked and swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid hitting the Prius but was unable to and collided with the left side of the car. The impact of the collision caused the Pruis to slide off the right side of the eastbound lane and down an embankment. The car came to a rest on its wheels in a grassy area and the driver was able to exit the vehicle.

The force of the impact caused the tanker truck to roll onto its left side and slide across the westbound lane of US50 and into a section of metal guardrail on the bridge over the Upper Truckee River. One of the gasoline tanks became compromised and leaked fuel. A fire ignited and the tanker truck became fully engulfed in flames according to CHP Officer Jarrett Burke. Most of the fire was a result of the tanker's gasoline contents but diesel carried on the truck for its own fuel supply was also onboard and burned. 4,500 gallons of that fuel spilled on the bridge according to Caltrans.

The tanker truck driver could not get out and was found deceased after the fire was put out. His name will be released pending completion of an autopsy and notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Prius is a 28-year-old resident of Reno, Nevada and has not been identified due to HIPPA medical privacy rules. He has been hospitalized with a broken femur.

Burke said the incident is still an open investigation. It is unknown if charges will be requested.

Multiple agencies have been at the scene of the crash to determine its impact on the Upper Truckee River, the bridge and roadway.

Caltrans said 1000 tons of asphalt will be needed to fix the damaged roadway but at this time it appears there has been no structural damage to the bridge and it is safe to drive on. The deck and asphalt approach on each end of the Sawmill Bridge over the Upper Truckee River will need to be resurfaced. They will replace the 134.5-foot guardrail and replace damaged signs. The County has examined the bike bridge adjacent to the road and it is structurally sound. So far the only damage to the bike trail and bridge is cosmetic due to the intensity of the fire. There is some scaring and charred sign panels but the weather this winter may correct those.

Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, El Dorado County, Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, the California Tahoe Conservancy, Caltrans and others have been working at the bridge and surrounding area to evaluate the bridge and road. California Office of Emergency Services is also there along with hazmat crews.

Fremouw Environmental Services of Dixon is providing clean-up work, which is expected to take 10-15 days, after which the repair work can begin. The initial estimate for the repairs is $500,000. Spill remediation and some excavation under the bridge is needed to see if there is contamination in the soil.

According to Scott Ferguson of Lahontan, the Upper Truckee River is visually being monitored and they are not seeing any oil sheen or petroleum in the water. He said a lot of the fuel was burned and hasn't made its way downstream. Booms placed in the water by the responding fire crews are catching soot and other debris but no indication of stormwater conveyance, he said.