Saturday October 2, 1999

A box truck caught fire and erupted with about 50 explosions Friday night, forcing police to evacuate more than 30 homes and close U.S. 15 in both directions at Emmitsburg, said a fire company spokesman. The entire 30-foot truck was engulfed in flames and a large toxic cloud rose from the inferno. They also evacuated the Getty Mart convenience store and gas station across the street from the burning truck, said Vigilant Hose Company spokesman Wayne Powell. The truck carrying the toxic chemical acetone was traveling north on U.S. 15 when the driver noticed flames coming from the truck. He pulled off the highway on South Seton Avenue to look for help. The truck was heading to Harrisburg, Pa., with more than 10,000 bottles of nail polish and more than 8 gallons of acetone, said Mr. Powell.