PALM COAST, Fla. -- A tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of fuel exploded on Interstate 95 in Flagler County late Monday, forcing authorities to close all southbound lanes of the highway.

The driver of the tanker, Wayne McNeil, said he was cut off by a car while traveling on I-95 between Palm Coast Parkway and U.S. 1 Monday night. McNeil said he lost control and rolled the tanker.

The vehicle, carrying 7,500 gallons of fuel, quickly caught fire, according to the report.

A motorist noticed the cash and pulled McNeil out of the tanker's cab minutes before it exploded.

Witnesses said they heard or saw three different explosions after McNeil was pulled to safety.

Palm Coast fire Chief Mike Beadle said the truck melted in the fire.

"The frame of the truck, part of the tank and the engine block are basically the only things left on the vehicle," Beadle said.

Troopers said flames reached 50 feet in the air before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control.

The southbound lanes of I-95 werer closed for 11 miles late Monday. The road reopened early Tuesday.

McNeil was transported to a Daytona Beach hospital and is expected to survive injuries he sustained in the crash.