Fuel tanker truck accident causes 1,200-gallon fuel spill

BOISE – Idaho State Police say an accident involving a fuel tanker truck has caused a 1,200-gallon fuel spill into a ditch connected to a river near Powell Junction.

KBOI-TV reports the accident occurred Friday morning on Highway 12.

The tanker driver had been heading west when he went off the roadway for an unknown reason, police said.

The trailer became disconnected from the tanker and overturned. The driver was trapped inside and was rescued by responders, police said.

One of the fuel tanks ruptured, spilling the fuel into a ditch connected to a reservoir leading to the Lochsa River, police said.

Measures were taken to contain the spill and environmental agencies were notified, police said.

The cleanup crew is expected to remain in the area for about a week.