August 1, 1983

Fuel contained after semi truck crash

       Worker contained most of 200 gallons of leaking diesel fuel before it reached a creek after a semi trailer truck crashed along Indiana 37 in northern Johnson County today.  Walter Saylor, 52, of Chepachet, RI. was driving north when a tire blew on his rig, causing the semi to pull to the right, said Deputy Steve Byerly of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.  The rig veered along the guard rail over Messersmith Creek just north of Smith Valley Road.  After crossing the bridge it pulled sharply to the right and crashed, Byerly said.  About 200 gallons of diesel fuel and an undetermined amount of paint and stain began leaking.

         Byerly said the Johnson County Civil Defense Director was called.  He notified the Johnson County Highway Department and White River Volunteer Fire Department.  Highway employees and firefighters were called to the scene to assist with the cleanup.  A sand dam was built to keep the leaking fluids from reaching the creek, which empties into White River.  Only a small amount reached the creek, Byerly said.  The truck’s cargo was transferred to another truck before efforts were started to right the rig, Byerly said.  The truck driver suffered minor leg injuries.  Damage to the truck and cargo were estimated at more than $50,000.  The accident occurred at 3:14 a.m.  The northbound lanes of Indiana 37 were closed several hours due to the accident.
 
 

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