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08/16/2003 Archived Entry: "TRUCK CRASHES, SPARKS GARLIC-SCENTED BLAZE THAT CAUSED MY GRANDDAUGHTER GRIEF"

TRUCK CRASHES, SPARKS GARLIC-SCENTED BLAZE THAT CAUSED MY GRANDDAUGHTER GRIEF

Friday, August 15, 2003 Posted: 11:01 PM EDT (0301 GMT)

"BELLE VERNON, Pennsylvania (AP) -- A tractor-trailer hauling seven tons of garlic powder crashed on a bridge and caught fire Friday, filling the air with the odor of burning garlic and fuel.

No serious injuries were reported, and the blaze was extinguished quickly.

The span -- on Interstate 70 over the Monongahela River, about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh -- remained closed for more than seven hours as crews checked for damage.

Authorities said driver Victor Nikitchuk of Antelope, California, lost control of the tractor-trailer. The fuel tank hit steel girders and ruptured, while the cargo area with the garlic powder also tore open.

Sparks may have ignited the fuel.

Nikitchuk was able to escape and was treated on the scene."

And Mackenzie was hung up in this mess for 6 1/2 hours!