Tuckerton hot dog truck explosion was accidental, authorities say
Debris surrounding a hot dog truck destroyed by an explosion early this morning in Tuckerton. (Photo: JSHN contributor Roman Isaryk)
Investigators say an explosion that destroyed a hot dog truck appears to have been an accident.
No injuries were reported in the blast that occurred around 4:30 a.m. Saturday in Tuckerton. But some nearby homes and businesses were damaged by the flying debris.
There was some confusion initially, with firefighters dispatched to either a motor vehicle crash into a building or an explosion along the county roadway.
Ocean County prosecutors say the explosion could be heard blocks away. Firefighters say while there was no fire, they discovered a large debris field.
One firefighter said that the early morning timing was fortunate since a day care and pre-school are on a neighboring property.
Authorities say it appears that the explosion occurred in an oven in the truck and was caused by propane gas inside the vehicle.
They say the truck’s owner told them he had no trouble with the trailer or his tenant, who had just renewed his lease for another year.
The tenant told investigators that health officials had inspected trailer this week. But he also told them he doesn’t turn off the propane tanks at night.
Numerous local, county, and state authorities along with public works and an electric utility responded.
No one was injured.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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