Massive explosion on California highway as tanker carrying 8,600 gallons of gas erupts into flames

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-08 21:21:01 | Updated at 2026-08-09 03:48:59 6 hours ago

A section of Highway 99 close to Selma in Fresno County was shut down Saturday after a gas tanker exploded and started a huge fire.

Video of the incident showed towering flames and black smoke as several firefighters and emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Flames on the southbound lanes at Second Street near Selma in Fresno County, California.

BREAKING:
The southbound section of Highway 99 is closed in #Selma CA, south of #Fresno after a HUGE EXPLOSION.

A tanker semi truck carrying gasoline crashed on the side of the road leading to a massive spill burning the asphalt. The driver remains in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/8AihMLZGKR

— CALWIRE.ORG (@calwireupdates) August 8, 2026

The crash happened on the southbound lanes at Second Street and involved a fuel tanker semi and a box truck, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Both drivers involved in the wreck miraculously emerged with only minor injuries, ABC30 News reported.

Selma, CA (99 Northbound)-
Maybe that used to be a semi truck?
Whatever it was, the fire department decided to give up and just stay back 500 feet. pic.twitter.com/rSnFOPwTPC

— No Safe Words (@Cyber_Trailer) August 8, 2026

Officials believe an unsafe lane change led to the crash. The fuel tanker became completely covered in flames, while the box truck sustained major damage. The tank contained about 8,600 gallons of fuel.

The affected part of the southbound lane of Highway 99 was shut down, according to Caltrans, while traffic was being diverted towards State Route 43 at the Floral Avenue Exit.

The tanker semi truck carrying gasoline crashed and exploded.

The tank that crashed had about 8,600 gallons of fuel.

Those commuting were expected to encounter traffic for several hours.

The California Post contacted California Highway Patrol for further comment.

As of 12:45 p.m. Saturday, the southbound lanes of State Route 99 near Second Street remained closed.