MANCHESTER, NH — Interstate 293 south in Manchester has reopened after an early-morning tractor-trailer accident Friday that closed the highway for more than five hours.
The accident happene at about 6:30 a.m. in the area of Exit 5 and Granite Street.
First responders, including state and local police, fire department and AMR, were notified that there was a trailer rollover with people trapped and a heavy fuel leak.
On arrival Engine 6 immediately reported that they had a tractor-trailer upside down on the highway with the trailer hanging off the edge of the retaining wall risking people using the exit to Granite Street.
The drivers of both vehicles had already exited their respective vehicles. The crew from Engine 6 assessed both patients who were involved in the accident and both were transported with non-life threatening injuries to local hospitals.
As manpower arrived at the scene the assessment turned toward the tractor that was completely upside down and dumping fuel. The fuel was coming primarily from the right hand saddle tank, however both tanks were losing fuel and the engine oil was draining onto the ground. The driver of the tractor reported that he had approximately 130 to 150 gallons of fuel on board.
The Department of Environmental services was notified and arrived on scene to take charge of the cleanup. Rescue One was able to stem the flow of fuel to a minimal flow using buckets and special compounds to patch the tanks that were leaking. The fuel spill was contained with 1,200 pounds of oil absorbent “Speedy Dry.”
State Police shut the highway down and called for heavy wreckers to remove the truck from the highway. With a coordinated effort between State Police, Manchester Fire, The Department of Public Works and the Department of Environmental Services the Highway was cleaned up and reopened to traffic at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Total loss was estimated by Battalion Chief Robert Plantier at $300,000.