Tanker crashes, dumps 8,000 gallons of fuel
 Flames consume a tractor-trailer that was hauling 8,000 gallons of gasoline to a service station in northern Wisconsin. The driver lost control of the rig on the Lake Katherine bridge near the Oneida County community of Hazelhurst. Driver Paul K. Krause, 44, of Wausau, was transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander. (Daily News photo) |
DNR assessing damage
Daily News Staff
A gasoline tanker jackknifed, crashed and burned on the Lake Katherine bridge, closing traffic on Highway 51 for several hours early this morning while firefighters fought the blaze and haz-mat crews contained fuel that had spilled into Lake Katherine.
Driver Paul Krause, 44, of Wausau who was hauling 8,000 gallons of gasoline north, walked away with minor injuries according to Jim Appleton, vice president of Klemm Tank Lines. The accident occurred about 3:25 a.m. Krause was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander for treatment.
Appleton said the driver told him by phone that he lost control of the rig on the icy pavement as he slowed for two cars whose drivers apparently were having their own problems navigating. The rig crossed the roadway, struck a guard rail and overturned. The rig slid across the bridge, sending the cab over the bridge and down about 10 feet onto the abutment.
The driver got out of the cab on his own and walked to safety. Krause has been with the Klemm Tanker Lines for about 15 years, he said.
State Conservation Warden Tom Kroeplin said about 200 gallons of fuel spilled onto the frozen lake. Containment booms were put in place within a few hours of the accident. Klemm Tank Lines also sent a crew to remove the wreckage and help in clean-up efforts.
"We'll clean it up to the DNR's satisfaction," said Appleton.
The 2000 Ford tractor and 2003 trailer, both valued at $140,000, were a total loss. The gasoline was valued at about $15,000.
Hazelhurst Fire Chief Jerry Ryden said they poured about 7,000 of gallons of water and foam on the blaze to little avail. "When the DNR got on the scene they suggested that we just let it burn itself out," he said, rather than risk further pollution of the lake. The blaze consumed the aluminum tanker.
It appears that the bridge sustained only minor damage, said Brian Gaber, maintenance engineer for the state Department of Transportation, District 7 office in Rhinelander. But they were waiting for daybreak to visually inspect the bridge. It was expected to be reopened to traffic by noon today.