Miracle on Highway 51
Published: July 2, 2007
A collision between a Cable One truck and an International Paper truck resulted in an explosion and enormous fire on Highway 51. Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt.
The 18-wheeler jackknifed into the turn lane when the trucks collided, according to Curtis McKinney, International Paper truck driver.
“Before I could get out, it blazed up. I didn’t have time to get my logbook or my phone. I was trying to unhook my seatbelt and get myself out,” said McKinney.
McKinney, 60, said Harry Holman Jr., Cable One truck driver, exited his vehicle first and offered aid while McKinney tried to get out of his truck.
Holman, 26, was taken to Grenada Lake Medical Center for minor injuries, according to Police Sgt. Joey Merriman.
Police Capt. Carver Conley said the diesel fuel exploded in the International Paper truck, and the cab was destroyed.
George Frazier, Grenada County Civil Defense director, said the highway will be slick with diesel fuel until the State Highway Department puts down sand and cleans the scene.
The incident brought traffic to a standstill on both northbound and southbound lanes on Highway 51 at the Branscome Drive intersection.
Fire Chief Herman Simpson said the fire department extinguished the fire in 10 minutes.
“The 18-wheeler was filled with cardboard boxes, and the fire department has to get in between the boxes to be sure it’s out,” said Simpson.
Conley said a cause has not been established, and the accident is still under investigation.
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