Tanker truck explosion

A semi tractor-trailer carrying hydrogen gas overturned north of Tulsa in Washington County Tuesday afternoon. <br><br>Authorities from the Highway Patrol say a 65-year-old woman went off the road in

Wednesday, May 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A semi tractor-trailer carrying hydrogen gas overturned north of Tulsa in Washington County Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities from the Highway Patrol say a 65-year-old woman went off the road in her pick-up. She over corrected and hit the tanker.

The accident caused an explosion and fire, because the liquid hydrogen load that the tanker truck carried is extremely volatile. Reports from witnesses indicate that the explosion was "like an atomic bomb". Others reported being able to feel shock waves from the explosion up to a mile and a half from the accident site.

The semi-driver... a 46-year-old man from Salina Kansas died.

The woman was taken to the hospital with a fractured ankle.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says both northbound and southbound lanes of US 75 were shutdown because of the accident and traffic was re-routed. Two way traffic on the highway has now been re-opened.