Gas tanker crash causes traffic chaos on Solomon Hochoy Highway

Traffic on the Solomon Hochoy Highway remained at a standstill for several hours Tuesday following the crash of a fuel tanker loaded with 36,000 litres of super unleaded gas. It happened near the Gasparillo exit.

The vehicle was on its way to make deliveries to several stations in San Fernando and Princes Town. Reports the driver of the vehicle lost control when he tried to avoid a car that pulled in front of him.

The tanker skidded off the road, capsized and began leaking fuel. Authorities closed off the highway on both sides as a safety precaution as efforts were made to contain the spill and siphon the gas out of the tanker.

Personnel at the scene said all health, safety and environment procedures were followed and the spill was eventually contained. 

No one was injured. However, with the highway closed on both sides the traffic piled up for several kilometres on both sides stretching from the Churchill-Roosevelt at one end and the Oropouche Junction on the other.

Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner assessed the scene from a helicopter and ordered an extra sailing of the water taxi from Port of Spain to ease the stress for persons heading south.