The truck driver killed when a tanker truck exploded in Atwater was identified as a Hughson resident, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The deceased was identified as Kamkyo Ramon Gnotsavath, 57, of Hughson. He was a driver with the Williams Tank Lines out of Stockton.

The tanker truck was in route to deliver 8,600 gallons of gasoline to an Arco gas station on Bell Lane when it crashed and exploded Tuesday morning.

According to the CHP, the tanker overturned as it was exiting Highway 99 at Bell Lane, causing the trailer to slide behind the truck and block the onramp of Bell Lane.

The tanker immediately exploded into a massive ball of flames and smoke. The thick black smoke could be seen as far away as Delhi. A series of explosions followed, causing people to flee the nearby eateries and stores in panic.

Gnotsavath died at the scene of the collision.

The CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is handling the investigation.