Truck flips, spilling chlorine in Fernley

FERNLEY- A tanker truck hauling chlorine blocked the roundabout in Fernley Wednesday, diverting traffic for approximately nine hours after it flipped on its passenger side where Highway 95A connects with Highway 50A and Farm District Road.

The tanker spilled 50 gallons of its approximately 3,900-gallon load at approximately 5:15 a.m., leading to response and cleanup from the North Lyon County Fire Department. The spill was quickly contained, according to a press release from Nevada Highway Patrol. The driver was traveling from Sparks to Fallon.

Traffic was diverted by NHP during the transfer of the chemical from one tanker to another that was called to the scene, said Trooper Chuck Allen, public information officer for NHP. All routes were accessible; however, some motorists were required to make several U-turns to navigate past the roundabout.

An initial investigation determined the driver of the 18-wheeler was traveling too fast while transitioning from southbound Highway 95A to eastbound Highway 50A on the roundabout, failing to negotiate it safely, according to a press release from NHP.

The driver, David Petersen, 56, of Carson City, received minor injuries in the accident. He refused treatment. No other vehicles were involved, according to NHP. The driver was cited for failure to use due care at the scene.

According to the Department of Transportation's motor carrier safety regulation, with a vehicle involved in injuries or death, drivers are required to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing. Testing is not required if there are no injuries. According to regulations, if the vehicle in question is towed from the scene, testing of the driver is required, said Allen.

Petersen is a driver for Sierra Chemical Company of Sparks. Stan Kinder, owner and CEO of the company, said he knows the driver, who has worked for the company for many years.

Petersen was tested earlier in the day for drugs and alcohol, said Kinder. He anticipates the test results to return with no alcohol or drugs in Petersen's system.

"I've know him (Petersen) for many years and think he'll be clean," said Kinder. "It is the policy of the company to test for drugs or alcohol after an incident."

Random drug testing is conducted by the company, he said.

The trailer is back at the yard with damages, including a small leak, said Kinder.