Truck rolls on Alberta highway, spilling oil

EDMONTON – Highway 831 south of Boyle was blocked for some of the day Tuesday, as cleanup from a semi rollover continued.

On Sunday at about 10 a.m., a semi-tractor with two trailers heading south on Highway 831 went into the west ditch and rolled about 15 kilometres south of Boyle.

The tanker trailers ruptured during the rollover and crude oil spilled out.

RCMP, Fire crews, and EMS responded and the driver was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The semi-tractor was removed on Tuesday afternoon.

Alberta Environment and HAZMAT crews were also on scene. Alberta Transportation and Alberta Environment were called out and continue recovery efforts with other agencies on scene.

Parts of Highway 831 were blocked, or reduced to one lane of alternating traffic on Tuesday.

“At this time cleanup is continuing with only one lane open to alternating traffic,” said Cst. Alex Ayres. “Motorists are asked to slow down and exercise caution when passing work crews and Boyle ITU is on scene and will be proactively enforcing traffic laws in the area.”

Boyle RCMP continue to investigate.

At this time, alcohol and weather are not believed to be factors, but investigators have not ruled out other factors including mechanical failure or driver error.