I-70 Reopens After Overturned Fuel Tanker Spills Fuel
GYPSUM, Colo. (CBS4) - An overturned fuel tanker shut down both directions of Interstate 70 about two miles west of Gypsum after a collision with a truck hauling empty beer cans. Westbound lanes reopened at 3 p.m. and eastbound lanes opened around 4:30 p.m.
The tanker rolled about 5:50 a.m. at mile marker 138 after what Colorado State Patrol say was a series of incidents.
The box truck carrying empty beer cans lost control while traveling westbound on I-70 and came to a stop in the westbound lanes, totally blocking the lanes.
A second semi carrying diesel fuel and gasoline tried to avoid the trailer but collided with the rear of the trailer which tore open the trailer and empty beer cans spilled across the interstate.
The fuel tanker drove into the median and overturned onto its left side. The front of four separate tanks ruptured and spilled about 4,500 gallons of diesel fuel into the median.
A third passenger vehicle was damaged in the crash. No one was injured.
The Colorado Department of Transportation said it will likely be an extended closure during the crash clean up and investigation. Westbound lanes reopened at 3 p.m.
The South Frontage Road between Dotsero and Gypsum is the alternate route for drivers.
The closure on I-70 is westbound at mile marker 140 at Gypsum and the eastbound closure is mile marker 133 at Dotsero.
Colorado State Patrol hazmat units, Gypsum Fire and Greater Eagle Fire units are working to mitigate and contain the spill to keep it from reaching Eagle River.