INDIANAPOLIS --
Interstate 465 on Indianapolis' northeast side could be closed for weeks, officials said, after a large propane tanker truck exploded and burst into flames on an on-ramp from Interstate 69 Thursday morning, possibly compromising an I-465 bridge and injuring four people.
Indiana State Police Sgt. Anthony Emery said that the driver of the tanker truck -- Ronald J. Tobias, 73, of Syracuse, Ind. -- lost control on the ramp traveling from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465 just after 10:30 a.m. and rolled the truck, which then caught fire and exploded, sending flames surging hundreds of feet into the air.
Witness Matt Stevens said he was walking outside with a friend when the explosion happened and could feel the heat, even though he was a mile or two away from it.
"It was like a thunder boom," said witness Matt Stevens. "It was so strange. This little flame turned into this huge ball."
Seven other vehicles were damaged by the flames, and three other people suffered minor injuries.
The explosion happened near the I-465 bridge over the on ramp. Crews said portions of both roads will remain closed at least through Friday evening because of possible structural problems with the bridge caused by the blast, and the bridge could be closed for much longer, pending the outcome of a structural engineering test.
Other vehicles were involved in the fire, and one person was injured when glass shattered the windshield of a nearby car.
"I did see a number of vehicles coming out of the flames that had a little smoke, a little fire to them, but they weren't completely engulfed," said witness Steve Stevens.
Tobias' injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. He was taken to Methodist Hospital and had been talking to police, Emery said.
Lonnie Hood, who was doing construction work at a nearby apartment complex, heard the explosion and saw the truck's driver trying to get out.
"So I just kicked (the window) real hard and it went right in, and I just grabbed him up, me and another guy, and pulled him up to higher ground."
It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion, but there was still a substantial amount of fire and quite a bit of smoke rising from the scene more than an hour later as firefighters battled the blaze.
Flames were strong enough to damage billboards and communication equipment alongside the interstate. There was also a large traffic backup in the area.
"I was sitting at my desk and I heard what I thought was a small earthquake," said one witness, who works nearby. "I went outside, and there was a big mushroom cloud. The cell tower was on fire at the top."
People in office buildings nearby said the explosion was so strong that it shook the buildings.
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