Tanker truck flips, no threat to environment: Firefighters

THUNDER BAY – There is no environmental threat after a tanker truck flipped on its side late Tuesday morning, say Thunder Bay Fire Rescue officials.

Emergency crews responded to calls just before noon where the vehicle had tipped over just off City Road at the entrance to McAsphalt Industries Ltd.

Platoon Chief Larry Warner said the tanker was full transporting a liquid asphalt substance and it did not appear there was any significant damage.

“At this time there is no leaking of product,” Warner said. “We’re told there is no real environmental threat if it does happen to leak. It’ll just gather on the ground and will not immerse itself in the soil.”

Warner said there is a small leak of diesel fuel from the gas tank of the truck but that it was contained to the road surface.

Multiple pumpers, along with the fire department’s hazardous materials unit responded, as well as officers from the OPP, Nishnawbe Aski Police and CN Rail police.

The driver was said to be uninjured and refused any medical assistance.

The truck was overturned off the right side of the entrance road, obstructing rail tracks running from east to west.

The next step will be to remove the truck.

The product from the overturned tanker will be pumped into another tanker to allow crews to safely upright the vehicle.

Warner said there was no timeframe for when the scene would be cleared.

Once that happens railway officials will inspect the scene to ensure it is safe for trains to pass through.