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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Diesel spill hasn’t reached Lochsa River, officials say

Associated Press
LEWISTON — Officials in North Idaho say none of the estimated 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel spilled after a tanker crash on U.S. Highway 12 has reached the Lochsa River. Idaho State Police investigators say the crash on Wednesday occurred when the tanker driver failed to negotiate a curve and crashed into a hillside, rupturing the fuel tank about 50 feet from the river. Idaho State Police Capt. Lonnie Richardson tells the Lewiston Tribune that the fuel appears to have pooled in caverns under the highway. Richardson says precautions have been taken should the fuel seep into the river. He says the highway remains open but one lane could be closed if crews need to cut into the road to get to the fuel.