Crime & Safety
Disabled Semi Spills Fuel Onto I-5 Near Lakewood: WSP
A disabled semi on I-5 near the intersection with Bridgeport Way is likely to cause significant traffic impacts throughout the day.
LAKEWOOD, WA — Washington State Patrol is warning drivers about an issue that's likely to cause some significant traffic for Lakewood commuters Friday.
According to WSP, the issue is a disabled semi on northbound I-5 near the intersection with Bridgeport Way SW.
The semi has pulled off the road, but leaked a large amount of diesel fuel onto the freeway. The right lane of northbound I-5 has been blocked by the crash, and troopers say drivers should expect significant delays while they respond to the crash and begin cleaning up the spill.
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Department of Ecology at the scene pic.twitter.com/WkT9NIDA6V
— Trooper Robert Reyer (@wspd1pio) April 23, 2021
WSP says they believe the issue was probably caused by loose metal debris falling from another car — which ruptured the semi's gas tank. While that rupture did cause a significant leak of diesel, first responders have managed to stop the spill by pumping the remaining fuel out of the truck.
It seems that metal debris ruptured the tank - @wastatepatrol Troopers and @wsdot_tacoma units were able to pump remaining fuel from semi to prevent further spillage #WeCare #YourWSP #wsdot pic.twitter.com/t6eTwoGzXM
— Trooper Robert Reyer (@wspd1pio) April 23, 2021
No injuries have been reported. There is still no ETA on when the road may be reopened.
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This is a breaking story about an ongoing issue. Check back on this page for future updates as the situations develops.
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