A 5,000-gallon diesel tanker truck that caught fire yesterday afternoon after the engine ignited has now been cleaned up and removed from a DeSoto intersection.
Local authorities explained that residents were able to return home after firefighters were able to diminish the fire.
“As of 9:45 PM Friday: While all hazards related to the DeSoto Diesel Tanker Truck Fire have been mitigated, and residents were allowed to return to their homes, it will be a bit longer before the intersection of Parkerville and Cockrell Hill Roads will be reopened,” said DeSoto Communication Manager Matt Smith.
“DeSoto Fire informed us that while the burned out tanker truck is safe and secure, the remaining diesel fuel in it, is still very hot and will be allowed to cool. That is what is preventing the intersection from being opened earlier.”
The cleanup of the intersection was completed at about 1:45 AM and the intersection of Parkerville and Cockrell Hill Roads was reopened to traffic according to DeSoto Police.
The traffic lights at the intersection are flashing red due to damage from the fire and should be treated as a four-way stop until city repairs are completed.
Friday afternoon, the city was notified of a smaller size tanker truck that had been engulfed in flames due to the engine catching fire.
From there the fire traveled and quickly engulfed the truck.
DeSoto Police said the driver made it out alive and was not hurt.
