First it seemed like the fuel pump went out but now there is NO power at all.

The issue began with the truck not cranking and
dim dash/interior lights that would blink out as I
turned the key in an attempt to crank. I took the
battery to have it tested and was informed that it
was reading lower than it should be so I opted to
just buy a new battery. While installing the battery,
there were some sparks and the ground wire that
spans from the hood to the frame completely fried.  
After the battery was installed, I attempted to
crank the truck again. A neighbor heard me
attempting to crank the truck (with no luck) and
suggested that I try knocking on the gas tank to
shock the fuel pump in order for it to crank. It
worked and he said that I would need to get a fuel
pump because the "knocking trick" would probably
not work much longer. At this point, the truck is
running, I drove maybe 5 miles (max) and loss ALL
power after a few messages flashed on the digital
display. I honestly do not remember what they
were. I just remember that the truck began not
wanting to accelerate then came the loss of power
steering, no radio and messages on the display. I
coasted off of the street and turned ignition off,
then turned the key in an attempt to crank the truck
and the digital display would still come on at that
point. I was unable to show any attention to the
truck for 2 days and then I went out to try to turn
the key to see what it would do and found that the
truck is now COMPLETELY DEAD - no dash/interior
lights, no horn, no headlights and no power locks.
What I would like to know is, could this possibly be
the alternator? Could an issue with the alternator
have caused the issues that I was under the
impression were being caused by the fuel pump?
PLEASE HELP!!!! Thank you all in advance.