A small amount of diesel fuel gushed from a damaged tanker truck towards the Nechako River Friday afternoon.
The fuel reportedly did not reach the water or do any lasting environmental damage. Spill responders with the Ministry of
Environment were not available for comment.
According to RCMP, the truck was hauling 17,000 litres of diesel when it lost control on River Road near Cameron Street at about 12:30 p.m.
"[The tanker truck] rolled over onto the driver's side," said Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass. "Although a small amount of diesel has leaked onto the road, it was quickly contained."
Prince George Fire Rescue Service attended, as did BC Ambulance Service, but the 56-year-old driver "escaped with only minor injuries, refusing medical
treatment," Douglass said.
"Investigators believe the driver was attempting to turn right off Cameron Street onto River Road, when he was unable to negotiate the corner," he explained.
"The truck fell over onto the driver side, coming to rest mostly in the oncoming lane. No other vehicles or persons were involved."
Speed is considered a factor and charges under the Motor Vehicle Act are being contemplated.
By mid-afternoon the majority of the diesel was out of the damaged tanker, crews could clean up the contamination and set the overturned truck back on its wheels.
Anyone with possible information was encouraged to contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES.
