Molasses truck crash creates sticky situation
By KVAL Web StaffWAGONTIRE, Ore. -- A tanker truck crashed and spilled hundreds of gallons of molasses onto a remote Oregon highway after the driver swerved to avoid deer crossing the road. The driver and his passenger received minior injuries. The crash closed Highway 395 between Riley and Wagontire for about 3 hours. Julio Cesar Gil-Juarez, 22, from Twin Falls, Idaho, was southbound on Hwy 395 driving a truck pulling two tanker trailers loaded with molasses when he swerved to avoid several deer crossing the roadway, according to Oregon State Police. The tractor and trailers left the roadway off the west shoulder as the driver tried to drive back onto the roadway. Both trailers and the tractor overturned and came to rest blocking the highway.
The crash caused hundreds of gallons of molasses to spill onto the road and into ditches on both sides of the highway. The material is non-hazardous and caused very little environmental impact, according to state police. Less than five gallons of diesel fuel also leaked from the truck's fuel tanks. Highway 395 was closed for three hours. After the vehicles were moved to the shoulder area, there was an additional partial closure for several more hours while the wreckage was removed. Gil-Juarez and his female passenger, Endirt Munoz, 21, also from Twin Falls, both received minor injuries. They were transported by Burns EMS to Harney District Hospital. Oregon State Police cited Gil-Juarez for Careless Driving.
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