SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)– Drivers traveling north on Highway 9 near I-70 in Silverthorne were delayed on Tuesday morning after a semi rolled over and the driver was hurt. Hazardous materials units were assisting with the cleanup due to the fuel spilled in the rollover.
(credit: CSP Eagle)
Investigators said the driver lost his brakes and didn’t take the emergency ramps before pulling off onto Highway 9. The cleanup was expected to take several hours.
Part of that process involves cutting into the tanker itself. If they tried to pull the thing back over while it’s still full, they risk tearing it apart.
So, they cut through the outer shell, the casing, then the inner shell to get to the petroleum product inside. @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/KWjREFdoDd
— Spencer Wilson (@Spencer_WNews) May 10, 2022
Hazmat worked on draining the tanker which was carrying a “base petroleum product.” Crews were transferring that load into another semi.
“Fortunately what he is carrying is not considered toxic,” explained Summit Fire and EMS Public Information Officer Steve Lipsher. “It is an emulsified oil used for tamping down dust on gravel roads and those types of things.
Hazmat is draining the tanker, and bringing another tanker in to fill up. Said it was carrying a base petroleum product.
They told me gasoline would have been much worse. @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/DXc3XdbkTw
— Spencer Wilson (@Spencer_WNews) May 10, 2022
Police in Silverthorne placed detours around the rollover during the cleanup and investigation. The closure for northbound Highway 9 was indefinite with no estimate on when it will reopen.
This is the same spot where a Coors truck crashed in October 2021. Crews on scene said even with safety improvements planned for the on and off ramps near the exit, nothing will change that this is the first exit after a very long steep hill.
“We are counting our blessings that the last two times, it has only been the truck that is involved in these things. You could totally have fatalities out here,” Lipsher said.
The driver’s injuries were described as non-life threatening.
Expect delays on North Highway 9 (Silverthorne) due to semi roll over. Thankfully it was not loaded. Silverthorne PD has detours in place but please be patient. @SummitDailyNews @ColoradoDOT pic.twitter.com/j9iDUg6Xjb
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) May 10, 2022
Drivers had to contend with another closure, U.S. 6 Loveland Pass was closed in both directions from I-70 to Montezuma Road due to avalanche reduction work.
#US6 westbound: Road closed due to safety concerns between I-70 and Montezuma Road. Avalanche reduction work. Hazmat vehicles are to stage at Eisenhower Tunnel and will be run at the top of the hour or as traffic allows. https://t.co/TbAkCDjb6c
— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) May 10, 2022
Jennifer McRae
