Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Firemen attempt to control a blaze from a gas tanker that overturned on the Michael Manley Boulevard in downtown Kingston yesterday. The driver of the tanker sustained injuries and was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

A thick cloud of black smoke could be seen as far away as Half-Way Tree in St. Andrew as a gas tanker blazed in downtown Kingston yesterday.

The unidentified driver of the ill-fated truck sustained injuries and was taken to the Kingston Public Hospital by the police.

The tanker, bearing licence plate number CF 3068, overturned in the vicinity of the Ice Factory and the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre on the Michael Manley Boulevard.

Eyewitness reports are that the occupants of a motor car, which was in front of the tanker, were arguing and that the vehicle criss-crossed the highway.

It is reported that the tanker driver had difficulty manoeuvring the vehicle around the motor car and overturned, hitting a utility pole.

Another eyewitness who spoke to The Gleaner claimed the tanker was destined to crash as the driver was allegedly speeding.

"From up the road him flash cross and overtake a few vehicles," the eyewitness said.

Michael Thompson of Southside, a neighbouring community, who, along with other residents, reportedly assisted in the driver's rescue, said the heat from the tanker almost singed his clothes.

"At one point we had to slap him to make sure say him no dead," Mr. Thompson said.

At least four units from the York Park and Rollington Town fire stations brought the blaze under control. The Kingston Central Police were last night investigating.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com