PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two drivers were rushed to the hospital Monday morning after a fiery tanker truck crash on Highway 26 near the Multnomah-Clackamas County Line, according to officials.
Around 4 a.m. Monday, a gasoline tanker truck and Chevrolet pickup truck collided at the intersection of Highway 26 and Stone Road, sparking a fire.
An initial investigation revealed the pickup driver, who has not been identified, ran through a stop sign, hitting the passing tanker truck. The trucks came to a stop on the eastbound shoulder where Oregon State Police said the tanker’s fuel “erupted.”
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled the pickup driver out just before a fire broke out, according to OSP. That driver was taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries.
The tanker truck driver was also rushed to a hospital but reportedly sustained minor injuries.
OSP said impairment may have contributed to the crash.
The collision closed both directions of Highway 26 east of Gresham.
Eastbound lanes of the highway are reportedly shut down at 267th Avenue while the westbound lanes are closed near 282nd Avenue.
Nearly 5,000 gallons of the 11,000 gallons of gas being carried by the tanker was burned or spilled in the collision, according to Gresham Fire.
Clackamas Fire tweeted video of the scene showing the tanker truck on its side, while flames and smoke were seen nearby.
Crews from multiple fire and law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.
At 7 a.m. Gresham Fire said the blaze had been put out, but a Hazmat team was still on scene and was working on containment.
There was reportedly environmental concerns preventing crews from using foam to extinguish the blaze. Fire officials said dirt in the area will have to be dug up to clear the spill.
The crash prompted some residents in the area to evacuate, but that notice has since been canceled.
Gresham Fire said the fire destroyed the truck and its tank.
Drivers are urged to seek other routes. Highway 26 is expected to be closed for several hours, but there is no estimated reopening time.
