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Fire chief: tanker rollover spilled diesel, cleanup underway; no injuries
Summary
West Chester Township officials reported a tanker rollover on an I‑75 ramp that released diesel fuel into pavement and nearby retention ponds; the fire chief said about 4,500 gallons were on board and crews are working with EPA and a contractor to recover remaining fuel. No injuries were reported.
The West Chester Township Fire Chief gave an update on Oct. 28 about a tanker accident on the I‑75 ramp that caused a diesel spill and extensive fire damage.
"The tanker is still on its side," the Fire Chief said, adding that the vehicle had been carrying approximately 4,500 gallons of diesel and that "only about 2,000 gallons" remained in the tank when crews arrived. He said crews are waiting for a contracted cleanup firm to remove the remaining fuel before attempting to upright the tanker, to avoid releasing more diesel onto the roadway.
The chief described fire damage that extended below the surface: "The sewer pipes were on fire... all those sewers are all plastic. So they've all collapsed and have burnt underground." He said pavement was torn up and repaving work was underway to allow reopening of the road as soon as it is safe.
The Fire Chief said federal and regional partners are helping: "We're working hard with the EPA and our EMA. They were fantastic with us today," and added that the West Chester Police Department will handle the accident investigation alongside state agencies.
He emphasized the best outcome so far: "Luckily, nobody was injured," and said crews will need to replace damaged hoses and personal protective equipment that were contaminated by diesel.
Officials did not offer a final timeline for reopening the road but said early crews would work to provide an update before morning rush hour. The cause of the accident was not known; the chief said the Ohio State Patrol and other agencies were investigating.
