Published: August 28, 2008 12:47 pm            

Jet fuel spill closes 267

AVON — An overturned semi-tractor trailer carrying jet fuel closed State Road 267 here and snarled rush hour traffic Thursday morning.

A CSX train that was slowly moving through the crossing just south of U.S. 36 prompted the semi driver to attempt to turn around. In doing so the driver caused part of the semi to go off the road, overturning the load.

The train, which is several miles long, can’t be moved until the spill is cleaned up for fear of sparking an explosion. That has resulted in several north/south corridors in the county, even as far away as Danville, being block while cleanup ensues.

Tom Klein, Avon town manager, reported several Avon schools in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution.

Intermediate West students were transported to Sycamore Elementary School. Intermediate East and Avon Middle School students were sent to Avon High School. White Oak and Maple Elementary students were evacuated to Kingsway Christian School. Hickory and Cedar Elementary students were transported to Pine Tree Elementary.

Businesses and some residents on S.R. 267 south of U.S. 36 and north of the railroad tracks also were evacuated.

The Indianapolis Fire Department’s hazardous material team was called in to conduct the cleanup.

Garrick Francis, a CSX spokesman, said no damage to the railroad or crossing has been reported.

“The local authorities asked us to curtail our train traffic in that area,” he said. “We’ve shut down a portion of the track and the yard in compliance. Whatever we can do to cooperate with authorities is what we’re trying to do.”

Francis added he’s received no word on how long the cleanup will take. The remaining contents of the semi were transported to another tanker.

        

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