Propane Tanker Accident Closes I-64 in WV

I-64 Remains Closed Between Huntington Mall and Milton in Cabell County, WV, Due to Tanker Crash

Update Report from WSAZ, News 3, Huntington, WV, February 13, 2015

Cabell County, WV (WSAZ) — The WV DOH and Milton Police are still saying that the eastbound lanes of I-64 between the Huntington Mall and Milton could reopen in a couple of hours, while the westbound lanes will be closed most of the day following a propane tanker crash early Friday morning.

The lanes were closed after an ambulance driver noticed the tanker on its side about 3:30 a.m. Friday at the 23 mile marker.

I-64 between the Huntington Mall (Exit 20 A & B) and Milton (Exit 28) is shut down in both directions. All traffic is being diverted off the interstate onto Route 60 at those exits. Traffic on US Route 60 in backed up in both directions due to the detour.

Crews are continuing to work to drain the propane from the tanker. Several wreckers were brought in to tilt the truck so that the remaining 70% of the propane on-board could be suctioned off.

Carrie Bly with the DOH says crews were having a hard time draining the tanker because when it crashed, it landed on the valve used to pump the propane out.

Investigators say it appears the driver veered off the highway and hit the guardrail. They say it looks like he over corrected, and his truck overturned. He had to be removed from the truck with the Jaws of Life. He was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where we are told he is currently in critical condition. His name has not been released.

Cabell County Schools sent a recorded message Friday, telling parents and guardians to expect significant delays in transporting students in eastern Cabell County, due to the interstate closure. School officials say they hope more buses are able to leave on schedule. Cabell Midland students who drive will be able to leave a little early, at 2:30 p.m.

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One lane of I-64 westbound will remain closed one to two days following tractor trailer accident

From a News Broadcast, WOWK, News 13, Huntington, WV, October 17, 2013

Cabell County, WV (WOWK) — According to dispatchers, the right westbound lane of I-64 will be closed for at least one to two days due to bridge and guardrail repairs. The left westbound lane of I-64 has been reopened following an accident involving a tractor trailer carrying mail.

The westbound lanes of I-64 in Cabell County, WV had been closed due to an accident. Crews are on the scene of an overturned truck near mile marker 9, just before the 5th Street exit.

The driver of the truck says he has been driving for nearly 30 years. He said this is his first accident. The man was heading to Ashland, KY to drop off a truckload of mail. He lost control as he went around a curve and flipped, he said. Firefighters said slick road conditions are to blame.

A propane tanker truck ran into the back of the tractor trailer after it wrecked. Both drivers managed to escape without injury. Firefighters said the propane tank was 90 percent full. They said the situation could have been much worse if the tank was punctured.

Crews hope to have the westbound lanes reopened by 3 p.m. Traffic is backed up for miles. Drivers can take the Hal Greer Boulevard exit as an alternate route, in Huntington, WV.

See also: www.FrackCheckWV.net