Minivan collides with tanker in New York, sparking explosion

Firefighters work to put out the blaze

EAST ISLIP, New York (CNN) -- A gasoline tanker crossing a highway was struck broadside by a minivan, sparking an explosion and killing the female driver of the minivan, according to Officer Al Prim of the Suffolk County Police.

The explosion started an intense fire that firefighters were still trying to put out early Tuesday. About 15 fire crews, and 100 police officers remained on the scene, fighting flames and keeping people back.

Police evacuated all residents within a 2,000 foot radius of the fire. They were being sheltered at the East Islip Fire Department.

The gasoline tanker has a capacity of 9,800 gallons of gasoline. Whether it was filled at the time of impact was unknown to police early Tuesday, according to Officer Luanne Alese. It was unclear whether the tanker was en route to a delivery, or if it a delivery had already been made.

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