A tanker truck filled with 9,000 gallons of gasoline overturn and exploded near Merced on Tuesday. the driver was killed and 200 local residents were temporarily evacuated.
It overturned on Highway 99 while on its way to delivering the fuel to a nearby gas station.
Fast food restaurant workers heard multiple explosions and captured some of the scary footage on video.
The explosions sent thick black smoke into the sky that was seen from over 7 miles away.
Authorities believe the truck was travelling too fast as it exited the highway. It hit a concrete divider and overturned. The fuel began to spill out and it ignited soon after.
Authorities have not identified the driver yet.