COMMERCIAL TANKER TRUCK CRASH KEEPS HIGHWAY 58 CLOSED WEST OF OAKRIDGE
Posted: March 12th, 2012 4:39 PM
(NOTE: Photo(s) may be available soon)
Highway 58 remains closed Monday afternoon four miles west of Oakridge following this morning's commercial trunk and tanker trailer rollover crash. According to ODOT, an estimated 4,000 gallons of diesel and gasoline spilled. Multiple emergency response agencies are coordinating the response and cleanup efforts throughout the day. Estimated time to re-open one lane is 5:00 p.m.
On March 12, 2012 at approximately 8:45 a.m. a commercial truck pulling a tanker trailer was eastbound on Highway 58 near milepost 31 when it traveled off the shoulder and overturned. Due to hazardous material spill from one of the tanks, the highway was closed in both directions. The truck's driver, GARY E. GRIFFITH, age 60, from Medford, received minor injuries not requiring transport to a hospital. The trucking company is identified as Cascade Petroleum Transportation out of Portland. GRIFFITH was cited for Fail to Drive Within a Lane.
Prior to off-loading the remaining 5,800 gallons of fuel, as a precaution, police and fire personnel evacuated residents of approximately 35 homes in the West Ridge Subdivision located north of the site.
According to an ODOT news release, after the remaining fuel is pumped from the tanks the vehicles will be righted for removal. ODOT will re-open the highway as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. Traffic updates will be posted on ODOT's website www.TripCheck.com.
Questions regarding potential environmental impacts should be directed to Dave Belyea, Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Emergency Response Coordinator, at (541) 228-1185.
Agencies responding to this incident include Region 2 Hazardous Materials Response Team, Oakridge Fire Department, Eugene Fire Department, ODOT, DEQ, Lane County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon State Police Patrol and Fish & Wildlife Divisions.
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