A tanker truck overturned on Highway 58 near Oakridge, Ore., on Monday, March 12, spilling more than 4,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel near the Middle Fork Willamette River. According to a report by the Register-Guard, the accident occurred at a curve in the highway when the truck driver veered onto the shoulder of the road and overturned in a ditch. The driver, who suffered minor injuries, was cited for failure to drive in his lane. Residents in 24 nearby homes were evacuated for fear that the spilled fuel could erupt into a huge fireball.
TRUCK ACCIDENT FAST FACT: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs) are likely to be involved in a fatal truck accident at rates at least 11% higher than single tractor trailers.
