Raw Video: Crash Ends With Explosion

caught on tape May 8, 2008 12:21 pm Crashes End With Explosion In Allston ALLSTON, Mass. (WBZ) &― Nine vehicles were damaged in a wild series of crashes in Allston Thursday morning that carried on for several blocks and ended with an explosion and fire. A source told WBZ the truck driver who started it said he blacked out. It began just after 7 a.m. when an out-of-control delivery truck heading outbound on Commonwealth Avenue slammed into a pick-up at Babcock Street, knocking it onto the trolley tracks. The tractor-trailer then slammed into five parked cars and pushed a parked Range Rover nearly a block before the SUV ended up crashing into the window of an insurance company at the intersection of Comm. Ave. and Brighton Avenue. The truck then collided head-on with an eighth vehicle. That set off a massive explosion and both went up in flames. Police say three people, including the truck driver, were taken to the hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries. A hazardous materials team was called in because there were medical supplies on the burning New England Delivery truck. Investigators were concerned about a highly flammable chemical on board called Xylene, a paint thinner that's also a cleaning agent. It did not leak, although fuel from both vehicles spilled at the scene. New England Delivery, which is based out of Wilmington, had no comment. Fire department spokesman Steve McDonald said Boston police will now begin an investigation. Comm. Ave outbound remains closed to traffic in the area. Green B Line trolley service between Babcock and Blandford Streets was suspended for about three hours. It resumed at 10:30 a.m.