An 8,500-gallon gasoline tanker spilled thousands of gallons of fuel after colliding with a speeding motorist along Highway 101 south of Tennant Avenue early Thursday morning.
California Highway Patrol re-opened one of the southbound lanes around 8 a.m. this morning after a seven-hour full closure, prompted by a 350Z Nissan traveling in excess of 80 miles per hour during heavy rains. Southbound Highway 101 was closed in all lanes beginning at 1 a.m., snarling traffic.
Although various media outlets reported about 4,000 gallons of fuel spilled, only 1,700 actually leaked out of the tank and into the environment, according to CalFire Battalion Chief Brandon Leitzke. The fuel spilled onto the shoulder of the highway and into a nearby drain, the CHP stated.
The drainage ditch “goes out to the ocean apparently, and that’s why the Coast Guard was notified,” said CHP Officer Herb Kellogg. “There’s quite a bit of recovery that’s gonna have to take place.”
Between 15 and 20 nearby residents living in the nearby were evacuated from their homes as a safety precaution, Leitzke said, but they were allowed to return at about 6 a.m.
“Just the fumes and stuff blowing in the wind – we didn’t want to run the risk of any health problems,” he explained.
Bruno Mercado, 23, of San Jose was driving his 2004 Nissan 350Z around 1 a.m. in heavy rain and wet roadway conditions when he lost control, spun into the center median and eventually crashed into the three-axle tank truck carrying a two-axle tank trailer, according to a CHP press release. Kellogg said no arrest was made.
Fish and Game, Coast Guard, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Cal Trans and Santa Clara Hazmat were notified and came to the scene. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the collision, CHP said.
The driver of the tanker was transported to San Jose Regional Medical Center for complaint of pain to the upper and lower back.
As a result of the Redwood City fire, residents from various areas throughout Santa Clara County reported smelling strong fumes, according to an air quality announcement from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.
“Some people in various regions of Santa Clara County may also be smelling smoke from the fire in Big Sur,” the announcement read. “In addition, a ‘Spare the Air’ alert remains in effect for all over the Bay Area.”
The Public Health Department advises people to stay indoors if possible, and to restrict activity outdoors while the air quality is poor.
-People may experience irritation of the lungs or eyes, coughing, a scratchy throat, and irritated sinuses, particularly people who are high risk.
-Individuals most at risk include children, seniors and those with respiratory problems.
-If you develop chest tightness or pain, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
-Other steps people can take to reduce respiratory problems include setting air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate, and if the air smells of fumes or smoke, limit your outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure.
-If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
