Video shows truck carrying highly reactive chemicals exploding in Denny’s parking lot

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Emergency crews in South Carolina responded to a truck explosion in the parking lot of a Spartanburg restaurant on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Westview Fire Department, first responders were called to an area Denny’s regarding a hazardous materials situation.

Authorities said a tanker carrying around 2,300 gallons of a chemical called diphenylmethane, which is a type of spray foam, exploded in the restaurant’s parking lot.

Video of the truck exploding along Reidville Road was shared by a viewer.

According to Denny’s, the truck was not related to their restaurant or operations, as the truck driver was experiencing issues and pulled off the road into the parking lot.

The truck company, Patriot Environmental Services, said the truck was returning from a field service job when a chemical being picked up turned out to be highly reactive with water, causing the chemical in the truck to expand.

The Spartanburg County Hazardous Materials Team assisted with identifying the material and containing the product.

Multiple agencies worked to clear the scene, with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office helping direct traffic in the area.

The Denny’s restaurant was forced to close. Officials said the restaurant was being quarantined as product from the tanker was found on the building and surrounding parking lots.

Four restaurant employees were also decontaminated at the scene.

No injuries were immediately reported.