The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that a Flying J truck hauling butane gas exploded and burned Wednesday night about two and a half hours after it crashed into a van.
According to the Associated Press, 1,500 people were evacuated after the initial accident on U.S. 89 in Kaysville, Davis County, Utah.
The driver of the butane truck, identified as Travis Mortensen, was southbound on U.S. Highway 89 when he reportedly discovered the brakes on his truck were not working. He ran a red light and hit a van turning left onto the highway from 200 North. Mortensen's truck, which was pulling two tanks of butane, veered off the side of the highway. There, the truck cab and the main butane tank rolled, while the smaller tank became detached. Together, the two tanks contained about 12,700 gallons of the highly flammable gas.
The accident caused a crack in the larger tank. Over the next two hours, firefighters saturated the tank and the crack with water. However, according to AP, heavier-than-air butane fumes flowed downhill and entered a home, where they were ignited, possibly by a pilot light, a sheriff's officer said. The blast blew out windows and knocked sheet rock off walls. Flames shot back to the tanker and set off the fuel, sending flames 100 feet into the air.
Emergency workers drew back, fearing a BLVE - Boiling Liquid Vapor Explosion, The butane in the main tanker had burned off by early Thursday and crews were trying to right the trailer.
About 10:30 p.m. there was an explosion of butane fumes in a second home, which blew out windows but did not cause a fire.
The driver of the van hit in the initial accident was reported in serious by stable condition at a local hospital. No other injuries were noted in press accounts.
Butane Leak From Crashed Tanker Feeds Spectacular Fires
The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that a Flying J truck hauling butane gas exploded and burned Wednesday night about two and a half hours after it crashed into a van
More Drivers

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time
CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.
Read More →
Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training
The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.
Read More →
How Thermo King’s AI-Fueled Telematics Drive Fleet Efficiency
Thermo King's AI-powered telematics enhance fleet efficiency with smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time insights. Improve uptime and help reduce costs with these advanced digital solutions.
Read More →
Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal
For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.
Read More →
FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List
One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.
Read More →
How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention
America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.
Read More →
CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For
The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame
Read More →
FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.
Read More →
DOT Alleges Illinois Issued Illegal Non-Domiciled CDLs
Illinois is the latest state targeted and threatened with the loss of highway funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation in its review of states' non-domiciled CDL issuance procedures. The state is pushing back.
Read More →
FMCSA Locks in Non-Domiciled CDL Restrictions
After a legal pause last fall, FMCSA has finalized its rule limiting non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. The agency says the change closes a safety gap, and its revised economic analysis suggests workforce effects will be more gradual than first thought.
Read More →
