Evacuations are under way and I-5 has been shut down in both directions after a fuel tanker overturned in Fife, Washington, this morning.
Trooper: “He Came In A Little Hot”
According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash happened at about 9:15 a.m. when a tanker trying to enter northbound I-5 from the Port of Tacoma overturned. Said one state trooper, “He came in a little hot and didn’t quite make the corner to get onto I-5.”
Overturned gasoline tanker on I-5 in Fife prompts evacuations, shuts down I-5: https://t.co/hn4wS0wSqd pic.twitter.com/0OAvF0llMH
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) August 18, 2016
The driver was not hurt in the crash. No other injuries have been reported.
The tanker was hauling 7,700 gallons of gasoline and began leaking fuel after the crash.
Evacuations And Traffic Delays Caused By Fuel Leak
All buildings within a half mile radius are being evacuated.
I-5 is shut down in both directions from mileposts 135 to 137, and a Washington State DOT spokesperson said, “No one is going anywhere on I-5 anytime soon.” The incident has caused heavy traffic backups and delays.
ICYMI: I-5 in Tacoma is CLOSED until further notice. Know before you go – keep track of backups here: https://t.co/5gRSi0Kpey
— WSDOT Tacoma Traffic (@wsdot_tacoma) August 18, 2016
Police are diverting southbound traffic at 54th Avenue East and routing it to Highway 509. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Portland Avenue East to Highway 167. Transportation officials urge drivers to find another route.
Large backups on I-5, evacuations underway after fuel tanker rolls over in Fife – https://t.co/aHQFe1Ty2apic.twitter.com/QEusnxAyvs
— KOMO News (@komonews) August 18, 2016
You can keep up to date on the latest traffic conditions by clicking here.
Sources:
KOMO
Q13 Fox
The News Tribune
The Seattle Times