March 28, 2008 Tanker truck driver rescued by Good Samaritans Play video

(NECN) - A tanker truck carrying 9,500 gallons of gasoline and 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel rolled over and exploded Friday morning in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Driver, 43-year-old Aaron Staelens of Richmond, New Hampshire, was initially trapped in the cab. Staelens was eventually rescued by good samaritans and taken to an area hospital. He suffered third degree burns over much of his body. The driver worked for Abenaqui Carriers of North Hampton, NH.

State police said the accident happened after Victor Aponte, 35, of Holyoke got onto the highway, lost control of his car and careened across the road, hitting another car. Aponte's car then hit the tanker, which veered off the road, striking a guardrail and sign post.

The trailer separated from the tanker, rolled over the guardrail and down an embankment as the cab and trailer burst into flames, police said.

Meanwhile, Aponte's car was hit from behind by another car. Aponte's passenger Louisa Fonseca, 43, of Holyoke, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The fire burned for more than 90 minutes after the crash and smoke could be seen for miles.

NECN's Brian Burnell has more.