The Associated Press  

AP Photo/The Republican, John Suchocki Fire and law enforcement officials work at the scene of the crash.

CHICOPEE, Mass. — A diesel tanker truck exploded Friday on a western Massachusetts interstate in a wreck that sent fireballs and thick black smoke billowing up and shut down the highway.

The fire engulfed three cars and pushed the truck partially off an Interstate-91 overpass, said Peter Judge, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

The truck driver was taken to a hospital, though officials had no immediate word on his condition or any other injuries.

The driver works for Abenaqui Carriers of North Hampton, N.H. A driver for the same company rolled over a fuel tanker in Everett in December, sparking a fire that severely damaged several homes and destroyed dozens of cars.

A spokesman for Abenaqui said he did not know the driver's condition and did not have further details.

Diesel fuel spilled on the highway after the crash around 9:30 a.m., but Judge said the accident happened on an area of the highway that is relatively isolated and he did not expect homes or businesses to be affected.

The fire was still burning more than 90 minutes after the crash, and smoke could be seen for miles. Authorities closed the interstate in both directions.