Man who caused blast at gas station charged

PORTLAND – A New Hampshire man whose truck caused an explosion at a gas station in Maine has been charged in both states.

John Harrington, 33, is charged with operating under the influence in Maine, and driving while intoxicated in New Hampshire.

A surveillance videotape showed Harrington slamming his truck into a gas pump at the 7-Eleven at the Kittery traffic circle, then driving away as the pump exploded in flames.

Aaron Montagna of Wells was pumping gas nearby when the accident happened, while his wife, Aimee, sat in their car.

They both escaped unharmed.

Police said another driver followed Harrington to his home in Portsmouth, N.H., where he was arrested on Sunday.

Kittery police said the district attorney would decide whether any charges would be filed in connection with the explosion.