A tanker truck crash caused a major fuel spill and massive fire in Bellmore last night.

The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. on Sunrise Highway and Newbridge Road. Officials say a tanker rear-ended a car and exploded. The trucker and two others in the car were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Authorities say two homes and a Harley Davidson dealership were damaged by the flames.

Homes within three blocks of the crash were evacuated after 7,000 gallons of fuel spilled in the area. Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray says workers used sand to create a dam in an effort to keep fuel from entering neighborhoods.

Police say speed on the part of the tanker driver appears to be a factor in the crash, but no criminal charges have been filed. Close to 15 fire departments were on the scene of the fire throughout the night.

Island Transportation owns the tanker. According to the federal officials, the company has a good safety record.

For chopper footage of the tanker crash, watch the clip to the left or click News 12 Extra on Optimum TV channel 612.