Originally published by WFXR
UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), a tanker truck carrying approximately 9,000 gallons of diesel and gasoline crashed on Route 220 — just north of the intersection with Route 605 — and ended up in the Jackson River Friday morning, losing half of its load in the process.
Members of local fire departments, VDOT, the DEQ, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) responded to the scene. The EPA and the Virginia Department of Health have also been notified so they can reach out to water treatment plant operators.
As of 10:59 a.m. on Friday, the department says fuel has been observed more than four miles downstream of the crash location.
Officials say the VDEM activated the Augusta County HazMat Team.
However, Roanoke Fire-EMS told WFXR News members of the Roanoke Valley Regional HazMat Team — including first responders from Salem Fire and EMS and Roanoke Fire-EMS — are also responding to the incident.
HIGHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Motorists in the Alleghany Highlands should expect delays along Jackson River Road after a tractor-trailer carrying thousands of gallons of fuel crashed into the river Friday morning.
According to Virginia State Police, at 7:44 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, a tractor-trailer hauling 9,000 gallons of gasoline overturned into the river in the 8000 block of Jackson River Road.
Even though the driver was not injured in the crash, police say a hazmat team heading to the scene to assess the fuel leak.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says the northbound through lanes and right shoulder of U.S. Route 220 are closed near Vinegar Run Road and Route 605.
Officials expect this northbound lane closure on U.S. Route 220 will be in place for four to six hours from the time of this writing.
Meanwhile, Bath County officials ask residents not to enter the Jackson River for any purpose — including recreation, fishing, and live stock — because of a major fuel spill.
Get breaking news, weather, and sports delivered to your smartphone with the WFXR News app available on Apple and Android.
