MAJOR GASOLINE SPILL: Bourne Bridge closed after tanker crash…...

BOURNE – [DEVELOPING] – The Bourne Bridge is closed this morning after a tanker truck crashed into the rotary, rolled over, and spilled thousands of gallons of gasoline… The tanker reportedly had 11,500 US gallons onboard…

At about 11pm, state police responded to a the Bourne Rotary right in front of their barracks after a tanker truck crashed into the “Cape Cod” hedge landmark… The tractor trailer was descending from the Bourne Bridge.

The driver reportedly suffered minor injuries and was able to safely climb out of his rig, which was on its side, as gasoline gushed out onto the ground.

A foam truck quickly responded from Otis FD (at the Air Force Base)… while other foam teams responded from other areas in the region.

The Bourne Bridge was quickly closed down and traffic was rerouted. Cross canal traffic is being diverted to the Sagamore Bridge…

The strong odor of gasoline could be detected from blocks away.

Massachusetts HAZ-MAT teams responded.

Cleanup efforts will be ongoing throughout the day and longer, as the contaminated soil in the rotary will need to be excavated and removed.

Dig safe was alerted and will be responding… utilities that pass under the rotary will need to be shut down…

At the time of this report, 1:00am, firefighters and HAZ-MAT workers were spreading foam over the scene as gas continued to leak into the rotary.

Also, at the time of this report, HAZ-MAT workers were preparing to enter the scene and attempt to prevent more gas from spilling out… Tanker trucks have capacities ranging as high as 11,600 US gallons…

Decontamination stations were set up on scene…

Resources from across the region responded…

The Coast Guard is on alert due to the possibility of fuel running into the Cape Cod Canal…

According to state police, the “tanker’s driver, a 47-year-old Westport man, transported by Bourne EMS to area hospital for injuries believed to be minor.” State police also report, “Cape-area commuters should leave extra time this morning. Traffic diversions away from crash scene at Bourne Rotary near bridge in effect.”

4:00am — State police report, “tanker that crashed in Bourne has not yet been uprighted. Fuel leak has stopped. Emergency and environmental operations continue…”

5:18am — Sources report all the fuel has been “off loaded” from the tanker… clean up efforts continue… Bourne Bridge remains closed…

5:23am — Firefighters still combating spill with foam…

7:10am — Sources report truck finally cleared from scene… bridge still closed… crews clearing catch basins of fuel and foam…

7:30am — WXTK reports about 5000 gallons spilled into ground… gas has reportedly leaked into Cape Cod Canal… booms have been set up around discharge points into the canal… soil in rotary will need to be removed and replaced…

9:15am — Bridge and rotary reopened.

VIDEO — The following video highlights the scene right after the accident. It covers early footage, as well as footage of some of the foam trucks, as well as HAZ-MAT teams setting up…

[Press play… select HD in the settings and enlarge player for best quality…]