Tow truck carrying refrigeration truck drives off cliff

WILKESBORO, N.C. (AP) — A tow truck carrying a refrigeration truck drove off a cliff yesterday in Wilkes County.

Authorities say two of the tow truck's occupants were taken to hospitals after it took rescue workers more than 90 minutes to remove them from the truck after the propane tanks in the refrigeration truck ruptured. The occupants were taken to area hospitals, but there's no word on their conditions.

Sergeant J-S Cox of the state Highway Patrol says the tow truck was traveling on a steep section of state highway 18 when its brakes failed. Both trucks fell about 50 feet down a cliff.

Firefighters sprayed the wreckage for hours and officials closed part of the highway in northern Wilkes County.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)