In this incident, on September 24, 2020, our team received a call about a multi-vehicle collision. The incident involved a Toyota pickup resting on a concrete barrier but was still attached to a travel trailer. On top of that, there were multiple lane closures because of the accident.
We called ahead to the WSP and advised them about the situation. We were permitted to use the emergency turn around and shoulder to work once our team arrived.
Truck and Spill Recovery
At the scene, we found that the Toyota pickup was also resting on its fuel tank and had a small leak. The accident required spill cleanup. Thankfully, the Fire Department had contained the small leak before we arrived.
With the truck still attached to the travel trailer, we needed a Heavy Mobile Rotating Crane Truck to help. After getting authorization from the registered owner, we sent a dispatch. Our team then notified WSP and FD of the recovery while waiting for all equipment to arrive.
Our team used a semi-crane lift method to avoid further damage to the truck when we lifted it off the barrier. Before that, we did additional temporary repairs to the fuel tank then got started on the truck recovery. Once lifted off the barrier, fuel began to pour from the tank. We quickly made emergency spill recovery and containment steps to block and absorb the spilled fuel. We also re-dispatched the FD since the fuel was now a significant source of a fire hazard. Once the FD arrived, we continued the spill recovery.
The truck was successfully removed from the barrier and put back onto the road. We then separated it from the trailer and loaded the truck onto a flatbed to be transported.
Spill Cleanup
Our team continued to clean the fuel spill using absorbents. We worked until the WSP was satisfied, then returned the equipment to its original condition and location. With all paperwork completed, the cleared call was made.
Even with multi-vehicle incidents, our team knows how to work safely and efficiently for a thorough accident and spill recovery.