A truck carrying flammable material, believed to be compressed natural gas, struck the bridge on Maple Avenue in Glenville on Thursday evening, causing a large explosion that injured the driver and knocked out power in the area, Town Supervisor Christopher Koetzle said.
Officials said the vehicle was northbound when the driver failed to recognize the height warning signs and struck the bridge.
A huge fireball could be seen from atop the bridge after the sun went down at around 6:45 p.m. Thursday. Officials said witnesses reported flames reaching nearly 200 feet in the air.
The driver of the vehicle, Sylvester Basil Jr., of Texas, escaped with third-degree burns, and was taken to Westchester Medical Center, Koetzle said.
Some homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution, while many other houses are without power.
The fire was contained, Koetzle said.
Maple Avenue will be closed for an undetermined amount of time while the accident scene is made safe and the investigation can be conducted.
Additionally, Thomas Corners Fire Chief Vlainich was involved in a personal injury car crash as he responded to the truck crash and explosion. Three passengers in the other vehicle were injured and transported to Albany Medical Center.