HazMat Accident On Bypass
 
By Minquas Fire Company No. 2
January 4, 2019
 

At 3:17pm, Downingtown Fire/EMS was dispatched to an automobile accident on the eastbound Route 30 bypass in East Caln. Responding units were advised of a tractor trailer jackknifed on the Norwood Ave bridge, completely blocking the roadway. Engine 46-2 and MICU 46-3 entered the roadway at the Rt 282 onramp and traveled west in the eastbound lane to the scene. Units arrived on location confirming the report, with all occupants out of the vehicle. Battalion 46 (Brooks) assumed "Bypass Command" and requested the county hazmat unit due to a large amount of fuel leaking from a damaged saddle tank. Additional fire police were requested to close the roadway at the Rt 322 exit, as crews began to assess the extent of the vehicle's damage. Rescue 38 (Thorndale FC) and Engine 76 (Veteran's Affairs FD) responded to the scene to assist after clearing another accident on the westbound side of the bypass. Oil dry was applied to the spilled fluids on the roadway to absorb the material and prevent the area from becoming larger. Units from Station 45 (Alert FC) and Station 15 (Chester County HazMat) began arriving on location to attempt to stop the tank leak, as well as containment of the spilled material. EMS evaluated the driver of the truck, who was found to not require transport to the hospital. Multiple agencies joined together to complete several tasks throughout the incident. After the truck was towed from the scene, a local environmental crew cleaned up the material and a PennDOT inspector confirmed the safety of the bridge. All units were cleared by the State Police and the roadway was opened after a several hour closure.

Final units cleared at 8:42pm.

 
Units: Engine 46-2; Utility 46; MICU(s) 46-1, 46-3
 
Mutual Aid: Alert FC; Thorndale FC; Veteran's Affairs FD; Chester County HazMat; Downingtown FP; Thorndale FP; West Whiteland FP; Lionville FP; Wagontown FP; Coatesville FP; Modena FP; Keystone Valley FP; State Police