The Nation - News from Dec. 25, 1988

Investigators in Memphis, Tenn., picked over debris from a propane truck that blew up and burned after hitting a retaining wall on Interstate 240 in the downtown area, killing nine people. Eight of the dead, including the truck driver, were killed as a result of the blast and fire following Friday’s accident. Two people injured in their homes died Saturday at a hospital. A ninth person died in a separate accident in the traffic jam that resulted from the crash, authorities said. Experts from the National Transportation Safety Board were called in, and met with people involved in the accident and investigation, board spokesman Michael Benson said. Investigators will examine the record of the truck and driver, the trucking company, the layout of the interstate and the response of emergency personnel.