UPDATE: Tanker Truck Accident Leaking Fuel
At 10:30 a.m. emergency personnel were called to respond to reports of a tanker truck that had crashed in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 30 in front of Meijer.
According to Warsaw Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Kip Shuter, the accident involved a tanker truck and a semi. Shuter stated that the accident occurred after the tanker truck, which was driven by Mark Burgess, 41, of Hebron, Ind., followed too closely to a semi truck in front of him. Burgess was unable to see the traffic light change to red due to his proximity, and swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision. Burgess struck the back of the trailer of the semi, driven by Sandy Brantley, 37, of Valdosta, Ga., and then collided head on into a nearby traffic light pole just in front of Meijer.
Burgess was extricated by Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Territory firefighters and the collision caused fuel to leak from his vehicle. Kosciusko County Emergency Manager Director Ed Rock was called to the scene due to the hazardous material involved.
Shuter stated Burgess was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital in stable condition for non-life-threatening injuries.
Warsaw Police Department, Indiana State Police, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and the Winona Lake Fire Department responded to the scene. Traffic has reopened at this time, however, officials are expected to be on scene for some time due to clean up efforts involving the damaged traffic light.
Damages are estimated to total over $100,000.