May 03--A serious motor vehicle crash in Keene on Route 12, near the Route 9 overpass this morning closed off several roads in the area and sent a plume of heavy black smoke over the city.
An early report by a police officer indicated two people in a car died and a truck driver was taken to the hospital.
Police and firefighters rushed to the scene about 10:30 a.m. for reports of the multi-vehicle crash with a vehicle fire. Minutes later, police officers speaking on their radios reported an explosion.
A witness driving on Route 12 at the time reported seeing flames shooting into the air. Police scanner reports indicate a fuel truck carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline and diesel was involved.
Keene police encourage motorists to seek alternate routes until further notice while clean-up of the site continues.
Reporters for The Sentinel were unable to get near the crash, as police blocked Route 12 between the West Street and Maple Avenue exits and worked to clear bystanders from the area.
Smoke could be seen from several points in the city, including Arch Street, Wheelock Park and over Symonds School, according to reports on Facebook.
Keene police reported over the scanner the truck belongs to J.P. Noonan of Brattleboro. Police said they contacted Noonan, and an environmental cleanup company is on the way.
Darren Cloutier, in an email to The Sentinel, reports the following:
"We heard all the sirens, then two loud bangs. We looked up and saw this smoke cloud forming. We then heard one more large bang. I hope everyone is OK."
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Copyright 2013 - The Keene Sentinel, N.H.
