By Mike Donoghue, Vermont News First
NORTH FERRISBURGH – A tractor-trailer containing compressed gas was destroyed after it ignited for unknown reasons on U.S 7 in North Ferrisburgh south of the Charlotte town line.
Mark E. Laflam, 64, of St. Albans was taken to the UVM Medical Center with unspecified injuries, officials said.
The trailer was owned by NG Advantage of Colchester, while the tractor belonged to KAG Merchant Gas Group in Canton, Ohio.
The massive fire and subsequent explosion forced the closing of U.S. 7 between Greenbush Road and Dakin Road shortly after the 2:50 p.m. alarm.
The location was about the same place as another big natural gas fire on June 1, 2023 involving a tanker owned by KAG Merchant Gas Group out of Lansdale, Penn., the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles said.
DMV Investigators reported the Monday fire started for unknown reasons.
After the explosion, the flames soon spread to a nearby small building on the west side of U.S. 7, DMV investigators said.
State police said one lane of U.S. 7 between Greenbush and Dakin roads reopened about 7:30 p.m.
DMV Lt. Matt Nesto, who is heading the investigation, said Ferrisburgh Fire Department received assistance from multiple volunteer fire departments including Vergennes, Monkton, Addison, Shelburne and Hinesburg.
Also assisting were the Vermont State Police and Vergennes Police.
Emergency Medical Services also came from Vergennes and Bristol.