Driver hospitalized after truck explodes at Wando Terminal

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (WCSC) - A driver was hospitalized after a truck caught fire at the Wando Terminal early Monday morning.

Crews initially responded to the scene as a call for a “possible explosion” from Charleston County consolidated dispatch at 4:05 a.m. Brandon Smiley with the Mount Pleasant Fire Department confirmed that the truck exploded and the cab separated from the cargo area.

“A mechanical vendor truck caught fire on the Wando Welch Terminal early this morning," SC Ports spokeswoman Erin Dhand said. “Charleston County Fire and Rescue responded to the incident and transported the driver to a hospital for medical care.”

Several people reported hearing and feeling a loud boom in the area. No flames were visible from the port’s entry on Long Point Road.

Trucks were still entering the port normally throughout the morning and no streets were shut down.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department released the following statement about the fire:

At 04:07am the Mount Pleasant Fire Department responded to a report of an explosion and fire at the Wando Welch Terminal on Long Point Road. Upon arrival, crews found a large debris field and a small area of fire actively burning. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and treated one patient for injuries. Charleston County EMS transported a single patient for evaluation. The truck was operated by a private vendor and provided maintenance at the facility. The damage was isolated to the vehicle and did not involve shipping cargo or infrastructure at the Terminal. Mount Pleasant Fire Department investigators identified the potential cause as buildup of flammable vapors in the cargo area of the vehicle.

A report states the blast zone was approximately 300 feet wide.

The condition of the driver has not been released.

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