Criminal charge dismissed against truck driver in gas station explosion

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- The truck driver injured in a gas station explosion is no longer facing criminal charges in the blast.

Judge Charles Tinlin dismissed without prejudice a criminal misdemeanor charge against David Cowles.

The truck driver was charged with culpable negligence exposing injury in the explosion at the BP gas station on State Road 16 near St. Augustine in August of 2012. He was off-loading fuel when the tank overflowed and sparked a fire and explosions.

The state has 20 days to refile charges against Cowles. Prosecutors plan to do that. A hearing has been set for May 30.