Elbert County Crash/Hazmat, as paged

[jimmnn]

ELBERT COUNTY - A propane tanker truck crash in Elbert County has forced the town of Matheson from their homes and closed Highway 24 from Limon to Simla Tuesday afternoon.

The truck driver was airlifted from the scene immediately after the crash as crews prepare to clear the scene of any debris. Firefighters are standing by as they let a blaze that sparked in the 1,000 gallon propane truck crash burn itself out due to the possible threat of explosion.

NEWSCHANNEL 13's Josh Poland is tracking this story and will have up-to-the-minute alerts on KRDO.com and on NEWSCHANNEL 13 at 5 pm.

 

[Tazcop]

The driver has a possible broken back, he was able to give fire details on how much propane was in the tank. CSP hazmat decided to let it burn off. Aroung 1545 hrs, the truck was fully engulfed and mutual aid from Calhan was responding. Thats all I know, I had EB 24 shut down in Simla. CDOT in now manning the roadblock. Unknown when the highway will be opened.

 

[jimmnn]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: 11-11-2008 TIME: 2:35 P.M.

On 11-11-2008 at approximately 11:16 A.M., Troopers responded Highway 24 milepost 360 in Elbert County after a report of a single vehicle rollover.

On Scene Troopers discovered a rolled over Hino home delivery propane truck on fire. The male driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Investigators have determined at this time to let the truck continue to vent and burnout on its own.
Investigators anticipate that this could be a lengthy process.

Highway 24 remains closed from Limon, CO to Simla, CO, and at this time it is unknown when the highway will reopen. The motoring public is encouraged to take alternate routes while this incident is being investigated.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

 

[Tazcop]

Still closed, CDOT told me that the tank it still leaking after the fire, they pulled it into a field. Hazmat is monitoring the air in Matheson because the raw gas is drifting in that direction. Driver update, multiple fractures to his back. Its a full moon!!!!

 

[Tazcop]

Highway 24 is now open, per CDOT