(This is from BBC Online.)

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Wednesday, 17 January, 2001, 12:24 GMT
California capitol 'suicide' truck attack

The truck smashed into the building and exploded

A man has died after driving his truck into the state legislature building in California.

Police in the capital, Sacramento, say they are treating the incident as suicide but do not yet know why it happened.

Eyewitnesses said a large truck carrying powdered milk circled the building several times before heading towards the main entrance at high speed.

"It was kind of insane," said witness Dave Turko.

"It was a big boom and it just immediately burst into flames."

The crash happened as members of the state assembly were passing a bill aimed at tackling California's power crisis.

'The members were frightened'

Assembly member Kevin Shelly said the explosion occurred shortly after the vote was taken.

"We first heard one loud boom and then several loud booms in immediate succession.

"The members were frightened. They don't know if it is related to their business."

Assembly speaker Robert Hertzberg said: "It was really scary.

"It's scary to see the Capitol looking like that."

Little is known about the truck driver and no one else is thought to be injured.

A structural engineer is to be used to avoid further damage to the building when the truck is removed.

Mr Shelly said that if the Senate had been in session there could have been many more injuries because its chambers are much closer to the explosion site.

"This job is hard enough without having people trying to kill you," he said.

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