Tanker Explosion Prompts Evacuation of Iowa Town

A petroleum tanker truck explosion prompted the evacuation of a small town in Iowa Friday morning, officials said.

The explosion caused a large plume of smoke, which prevented fire crews from immediately arriving at the scene of the of the accident.

The blast was followed by three smaller explosions two hours later.

Most of Blakesburg, an Iowa town of only 300 residents, had to be evacuated.

The truck driver was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.