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Semi Overturns Near Silverthorne, Spills 30 Gallons Of Battery Acid

SILVERTHORNE, Colo. (CBS4) - Lake Dillon firefighters worked into the evening Tuesday after a tractor-trailer carrying hundreds of vehicle batteries crashed on Interstate 70 east of Silverthorne.

Approximately 30 gallons of battery acid spilled just before 5 p.m. after the westbound truck overturned while coming down from the Eisenhower Tunnel at a reportedly high rate of speed.

Battery Acid Spill

Both directions of I-70 had to be closed for the battery acid cleanup, which last into the night.

"An off-duty Lake Dillon firefighter narrowly avoided being struck in his personal vehicle by the truck and was one of the first to respond to the crash, finding the driver shaken but not complaining of injuries," Lake Dillon Fire Rescue spokesperson Steve Lipsher said in a statement.

Battery Acid Spill

The driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. It's not clear if the driver will be cited for the crash.

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