Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Group urges caution near Village Creek after Birmingham I-59 fuel spill
An 18-wheeler carrying fuel crashed with an SUV early Saturday morning on I-59 in Birmingham near the Oporto-Madrid Boulevard exit, spilling thousands of gallons of fuel.
Thanks to the Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) both drivers were extricated from the vehicles and taken to UAB hospital for injuries. There is no word at this moment of their condition.
According to BFRS, the 18-wheeler spilled a “very large” amount of gasoline onto the interstate at the time of the crash.
Truck spilled massive amount of gas
A report by ABC 33/40 stated that the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency believed the truck was carrying 1500 gallons of gas and 500 gallons of diesel. BFRS also reported the truck may have had 7500 gallons.
Black Warrior Riverkeeper urge caution
Several local and state agencies responded to the spill and started subsequent cleanup of the site.
Also at the scene during the day on Saturday was the Black Warrior Riverkeeper. The non-profit group was tracking the flow of the spill on Saturday urging Birmingham residents to stay clear of Village Creek and local streams that may have been impacted.
“If you are smelling gas fumes, stay away.”
Nelson Brooke with Black Warrior Riverkeeper (BWRK)
The group, which is concerned about the impacts the spill will have on public health and wildlife downstream of the spill, hopes that it can provide input and receive feedback on what’s going on from the spill response team.
For example, the Riverkeepers were able to confirm that the Roebuck Spring Run — home to the Watercress Darter— one of the rarest fish in the world was not impacted by the spill.
“It was a near miss.”
Nelson Brooke with Black Warrior Riverkeeper (BWRK)
Below is additional information posted on X about the BWRK’s concerns:
Stay tuned
In the coming days, we expect to hear more news about additional cleanup efforts by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (evaluate impact on fish and wildlife) and other agencies.
We will update you as soon as we receive info from these groups.
Meanwhile, to learn more about ways you can help the Black Warrior Riverkeeper visit this link which will take you to their volunteer newsletter.
