Cleanup crews remained at the scene of a 1,700-gasoline spill – resulting from an accident involving a tanker truck – on U.S. 101 in Morgan Hill Friday afternoon.
The traffic accident happened about 1 a.m. Thursday, when the 8,500-gallon tanker collided with a speeding 350Z Nissan in southbound traffic between the Tennant Avenue and San Martin Avenue exits, according to authorities. The collision caused the truck to leave the roadway on the right shoulder, spilling its contents into the environment.
The driver of the truck was transported to area hospital with a complaint of pain, authorities said.
The accident prompted staff from Fish and Game, the Coast Guard, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Cal Trans and Santa Clara County Hazmat to respond, shutting down traffic for several hours, according to authorities.
And the fuel spill caused authorities to issue a mandatory evacuation of about 15 to residents living in the area near the crash.
Cal Trans cleanup crews remained at the scene Friday until about 3 p.m., slowing down southbound traffic due to the closure of the western lane, according to CHP Officer Lopez.
Authorities will return to the scene Monday to “do a final check and cleanup,” Lopez said.
