Gas Tanker Driver Avoided Car That Led To Crash, Fire: Report

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — The driver of the tanker crash that exploded, setting off gasoline fires on Sunrise Highway told police he crashed after avoiding a car, Newsday reports.

Emanuel Thorton, the truck driver, was found by police hours after the collision getting out of taxi in Bellmore, Newsday said.

The Feb. 16 early morning crash in Rockville Centre destroyed a vacant storefront and fire spread when the 9,200 gallons of gas were dumped in the neighborhood.

Thorton has not been arrested in connection to the crash, Newsday reports.

No one was badly hurt in the incident.