Gasoline tanker crash in Phoenix causes major fuel leak on roadway, driver severely hurt
PHOENIX - A car crashed into a semi truck carrying nearly 9,000 gallons of gasoline near 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road on Saturday, leaving one man in extremely critical condition.
Phoenix firefighters say the collision caused a 2-foot gash in the tanker, causing around 3,000 gallons of unleaded fuel to spill out onto 51st Avenue.
Crews worked to stop the leak from reaching storm drains, and the city planned to bring in 13 tons of sand to stop the gasoline from spreading any further.
The driver of the truck was hospitalized in life-threatening condition.
"A clean up process has begun to ensure all hazardous materials are properly treated, contained and removed from the area," Phoenix Fire said in a statement. "All expected stakeholders have been notified and crews will remain on scene until all hazards are mitigated."
The Phoenix Fire Department had a warning for drivers:
"It's very imperative to realize how big these trucks are," said Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller. "You're seeing signs all over the road that talk about giving them space…we want people to have patience with these semi-trailer trucks when they're turning."