The driver of a tanker truck has died after his vehicle caught fire and exploded in Hardee County.
Officials said the driver was traveling in a B Line Transport truck carrying 7,200 gallons of unleaded gas and 1,300 gallons of premium gas when it caught fire around 2:05 p.m. in the area of State Road 62 and Moye Road in Bowling Green, FL.
According to fire rescue personnel, the driver traveled off the roadway and onto the south shoulder of SR 62. The tanker truck overturned, hit a guard rail and exploded into flames.
Fire crews said the incident could have been a lot worse for nearby homes.
"There was only one to the north of this scene that could have been but because of the fast response of our fire department we were able to ensure that there was no extension of the fire beyond that," said Hardee County Fire Chief James Stillwagon.
Residents within a half mile of the fire were evacuated.
Officials closed State Road 62 as crews worked to clear the road.
Flames were reported be as high as 30 to 40 feet.
The driver's identity has not been released yet.