YOUR AD HERE »

Semi dumps 150 gallons of diesel near Steamboat Springs

Reid Tulley
rtulley@skyhidailynews.com

A semitrailer rolled on Highway 40 near Steamboat Springs, rupturing the truck’s fuel tank and spilling about 150 gallons of diesel fuel.

The semi, hauling bagged calcium chloride powder — a non-hazardous cargo — was descending on Rabbit Ears Pass, about 6 miles east of Steamboat Springs, when the truck rolled onto its right side and slid off the right side of the road after failing to negotiate a left-hand curve.

The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8. The driver of the vehicle, Fidel Pena, 44, of Florida, sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to Yampa Valley Medical Center. He was cited for Careless Driving after he returned to the scene of the crash.



The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol, however, excessive speed and driver unfamiliarity with the area are thought to be contributing factors to the crash, according to statements the Patrol released Monday.

The Steamboat Springs Fire/Rescue responded to the scene to provide emergency medical services, and the Routt County Sheriff’s Office responded to help with the investigation of the scene. The Colorado Department of Transportation helped to clean the roadway.



Reid Tulley can be reached at 970-887-3334


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.

Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.

If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.