Upper Pine River Fire Protection District responded to a semitrailer rollover Thursday morning on U.S. Highway 160 near mile marker 109, about 6 miles northeast of Bayfield.
At 7:28 a.m., a refrigerated box semi veered off the road and down an embankment, coming to rest on its side. The driver, who sustained minor injuries, was already out of the vehicle when emergency crews arrived, according to a news release from the fire agency.
The truck was carrying milk, produce and meat to a grocery store in Durango. It was leaking a small amount of diesel fuel from its damaged saddle tank.
To prevent contamination of Beaver Creek, Upper Pine fire crews deployed hazardous material containment measures, including absorbent pads and “pigs,” the news release said. The tank was sealed, and cold temperatures helped mitigate further leakage.
Colorado State Patrol investigated the crash, with CSP Capt. Angela DeGuelle confirming the crash was the result of a medical issue suffered by the driver.
The driver was taken to Mercy Hospital in Durango for treatment. Traffic control and additional support were provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation, which also used a front loader to construct a dam to prevent fuel from entering the waterway.
Ten firefighters and four apparatus from Upper Pine fire were on scene, along with Buckskin Towing, which handled removal of the truck.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
