Anthony Wayne Trail Tanker Truck Fire

June 10, 2011, is the 50th anniversary of the Anthony Wayne Trail fire and explosion that injured 71 people -- 38 of whom were children -- and eventually claimed the lives of four Toledo firefighters. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge A trailer of a Standard Oil tanker truck transporting 7,900 gallons of gasoline crashed on the Anthony Wayne Tail ... TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Fifty-seven firefighters responded to the three-alarm blaze. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Four firefighters would die from injuries suffered while battling the blaze. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge The fire spread to some homes along the Trail. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Deputy Chief Ewald E. Bode, who was not wearing fire gear when he responded to the blaze, died July 26, 1961, from his burns. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Firefighter Robert Harrison, of Station 5, died June 15, 1961, from burns. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Firefighter Glenn E. Carter, of Station 5, died June 23, 1961, more than a week after being burned in the tanker fire. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Firefighter William Genson, of Station 1, died July 10, 1961, exactly one month after being burned in the Trail fire. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Smoke billows from the burning tanker. TOLEDO BLADE FILE PHOTO

Enlarge At least nearby four homes were set fire by the explosion. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge This report logs the time when three alarms were issued and notes injuries suffered in the battle. On the right,... TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge This building fire report notes that a building at 612 Vinton St. will be torn down after being set ablaze ... TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge A small explosion was followed by a massive blast. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Seventy-one people, including 11 firefighters and 38 children, were injured in the fire and explosion. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Three fire houses responded to the scene. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Thousands of bystanders also came to the scene. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Raymond Mercurio was 13 years old and living on South St. Clair Street when he ventured down to see the ... THE BLADE/LISA DUTTON

Enlarge Seven firefighters survived injuries sustained in battling the tanker fire. NOT BLADE PHOTO

Enlarge Firefighters continue to hose down the smoldering tanker trailer. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Bystanders watch fire crews hose down the remains of the gas tanker. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge An injured fireman is taken to an ambulance at the Anthony Wayne Trail fire. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Retired firefighter John Repp Sr., 85, curator of Toledo Firefighters Museum, responded with Station 1 to the blaze.

Enlarge The charred remains of the rig rests on the Trail. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Firefighters had to battle blazes that spread to nearby homes as well. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge Bystanders watch from an overpass. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM

Enlarge The remains of the gas tanker is towed away. TOLEDO FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM