“B” Shift – Haz Mat Response

Run # 10-05518 – Stations 9, 11 and 19 responded to a MVC with HazMat in the 26000 block of Augusta Highway (SC Hwy. 61) near the Dorchester County line Thursday morning 7-Ocotober at 07:36. Engine 11 arrived to report a fully loaded tractor trailer with a MC306 trailer on its side in the ditch. The vehicle was off of the roadway and was leaking product at a small rate from two compartments. The driver noted the vehicle was carrying 9100 gallons of gasoline. A Sheriff’s Deputy rode up on the accident shortly after it occurred and blocked off west bound traffic. Engine 11 blocked off east bound traffic. The driver received minor injuries in the crash. He was ambulatory and treated by Medic 9. He did not require treatment at the hospital. The accident occurred in an isolated rural area along busy Highway 61. SCDOT crews were called in to establish temporary detours, diverting traffic on alternate routes around the incident site.

Firefighters surveyed the area for hazards with monitoring equipment. Area Rae monitors were set up at four points around the truck to monitor air conditions and hazardous levels in the area. ARFF 19 responded, standing by for the duration of the incident. Crews attempted to control the leaks with pig putty, but due to the poor condition of the trailer (rust) the putty had problems sticking. After the first few hours all five compartments were leaking product. A local recovery company brought in a small track hoe to dike the ditch downhill from the vehicle. The owner of the truck had a specialty team respond from Spartanburg, SC to drill holes in the tank, so the gasoline could be pumped into another tanker truck. Firefighters stood by until the crew arrived nine hours later. The process of drilling the tank was handled quickly, but it took approximately two and half hours to pump the fuel into the second tanker. It was estimated that less than 100 gallons of gasoline leaked from the trailer. The recovery crews had already rigged the vehicle in preparation to right it. Two large wreckers were used to turn the vehicle back on its wheels and to pull it up the embankment. All units cleared the scene a little after 2200. Highway 61 was closed in the area for nearly 15 hours.

SC Highway Patrol and State Transport Police are investigating the crash. SCDHEC, State and Local EMD officials also responded to the scene. A County Fleet Management crew responded later in the afternoon to refuel fire apparatus.

Engine 9, Engine 11, Tender 9, Medic 9, ARFF 19, HazMat 19, Car 11, Car 12, Car 111 responded. Captain Scott Feather served as Incident Commander.