FERRISBURGH, Vt. (WCAX) – An investigation is underway after a tractor-trailer hauling natural gas caught fire and exploded on busy Route 7 in Ferrisburgh Monday. It was deja vu for some residents because the fire happened in almost the same location as a similar gas tanker explosion a year ago.
It was a scary scene in Ferrisburgh Monday– Route 7 at a standstill as a tractor-trailer hauling natural gas caught fire. Flames shot high into the air as the burning gas vented from the truck in a controlled release.
“The valve worked correctly and it released natural gas. That gas ignited and caused a small explosion,” Vt. DMV Enforcement Chief Gene Coty said.
The fire was so intense, it ripped through a nearby barn.
“Unfortunately, they are all antiques. It was all antiques,” said Jeanne Kelly of Ferrisburgh.
This story might sound familiar to some because it’s the same spot where a similar incident happened with the same company last year.
“Everyone keeps saying this can’t be– can’t believe this is happening again,” Kelly said.
“I’m just standing here in awe of the fact that this truck burned to the ground 75 feet from the spot the last truck burned down,” said John Eisenhardt of Ferrisburgh.
Like last year’s fire, authorities say the truck tractor is owned by KAG Merchant Gas Group in Ohio and the trailer is owned by NG Advantage in Colchester. Both the tractor and the trailer were destroyed in the fire.
“That’s a typical configuration where one company is transporting the product for another company,” Cote said.
DMV investigators say last year’s fire started on the trailer, with a mechanical failure in the rear axle. They say this year’s fire started on the truck tractor. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Prior to operating any commercial vehicle, the driver needs to conduct a walk-around and inspect the components of the truck and trailer for any defects. Investigators are looking into whether that was done.
In a statement, NG Advantage points to their partner, KAG Merchant Gas Group, saying: “The tractor’s rear axle caught fire which spread to the trailer. The trailer performed as designed by conducting a controlled release… KAG is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the tractor.”
KAG had not yet responded to our request for comment when this story was published.
For a little context, the DMV says there are about 750,000 trucks on Vermont roads each year, and on average, there are about three to six truck fires. So that speaks to the odds of having two natural gas tankers from the same company catch fire in almost the exact same location only about a year apart.