Traffic was snarled for hours on the primary route between Silicon Valley and the Monterey Bay when a truck carrying 8,600 gallons of fuel overturned this morning. The driver was taken to hospital with unknown injuries.
The tanker crashed along southbound Highway 17 south of Summit Road in Scotts Valley Fire District’s jurisdiction early this morning, a Santa Clara County Fire Department official noted on Facebook.
“The back half of the vehicle was on its side on the roadway with an active leak, as the front end hung off the side of the mountain,” an SCCFD spokesperson wrote. “Our Hazmat Team was requested at 7:37am to assist with the response, with the balance of our Special Operations Task Force dispatched shortly after at 7:59am.”
Around 5:45pm, the agency’s “Hazmat 72” and “Engine 72” units were still on the scene.
It was unclear what caused the collision.
SCCFD said the Scotts Valley Fire District “was quick and successful in slowing 90% or more of the leak, saving thousands of gallons from spilling. Additional resources were sent including a water tender from Felton Fire Protection District, a type-1 engine from Santa Cruz Fire Department, CHP – Golden Gate Division assisted with roadway closures, and CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit moved some resources closer to the incident in case of any ignitions.”
Authorities said the incident showcased the value of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.
“Overall, it was a great collaborative effort among all participating agencies,” the SCCFD spokesperson said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support neighboring fire departments to ensure swift, effective protection for the community, environment, and first responders.
