Tanker truck crash causes explosion, diesel spill, and river fire in Ohio
(CNN) — A tragic accident in Macedonia, Ohio on Saturday morning resulted in the death of one man, the closure of several roads, and a significant environmental disaster. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office reported that the driver of a tanker truck lost control while attempting to merge onto Interstate 271 and went over the side of a bridge, causing the truck to explode in a burst of flames when it crashed on State Route 8.
Officials from various departments, including a hazardous materials team, responded to the fire at 9:15 a.m. local time. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson, Bryant Somerville, told CNN that the truck was carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel when it crashed. The diesel from the tanker truck reached a nearby river, Brandywine Falls, and leaked into the water, briefly causing a stream to catch fire.
The Ohio EPA is taking measures to contain the diesel and is monitoring reduction efforts in the creek. Ramps from State Route 8 to Interstate 271 are closed in both directions, and officials say the roads will remain closed until the safety of the bridge can be inspected.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is inspecting both the bridge and the road at the crash site and has stated that a portion of the road will need to be repaved. The timeline for these repairs is not yet known, and authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.
The environmental impact of the diesel spill and river fire is a grave concern, and authorities are working diligently to contain the situation and minimize the damage. The tragic loss of life and the environmental consequences of the crash serve as a somber reminder of the potential hazards associated with transportation and the importance of safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.