Jul 22, 2008

Big rig crash, diesel spill closes Highway 92

By Sarah Frier / Daily News Correspondent

Part of Highway 92 in unincorporated San Mateo County was closed for several hours Monday after a big rig jack-knifed and spilled 120 gallons of diesel fuel, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The accident was reported about 6:53 a.m., just east of Pilarcitos Creek Road and nearly a mile west of Skyline Boulevard. The big rig's fuel tank was punctured after it hit the center divide, CHP Officer Grace Castillo said.

"I don't know whether it was speed or roadway," Castillo said. "The roadway was a little wet due to the fog in the morning."

Either way, the driver likely lost control of her vehicle while hitting the brakes, Castillo said.

Nobody was injured in the crash, Castillo said.

Four hours after the crash, one eastbound lane was opened up, after the big rig was removed, but the second eastbound lane remained closed for the cleanup. Authorities expected to reopen the lane by 10 p.m. Monday.

Punctured fuel tanks are common in big rig crashes, Castillo said.

"They're more susceptible to that kind of condition," she said.

Bay City News contributed to this report.



E-mail Sarah Frier at sfrier@dailynewsgroup.com.