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Highlands Today

U.S. 27 And S.R. 64 Closes After Crash

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: August 19, 2008

AVON PARK - An early morning crash Monday at the intersection of U.S. 27 and State Road 64 closed the intersection as police investigated the accident and crews cleaned up a hazardous diesel spill.

At about 1:30 a.m. Monday, a tractor-trailer was headed southbound on U.S. 27 through the intersection of S.R. 64 when a rear-end crash on eastbound S.R. 64 sent a pickup truck into the side of the semi-rig, rupturing its diesel tank.

About 60 to 70 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the intersection, closing it until 9 a.m., as crews from the Avon Park Fire Department, Avon Park Public Works, Florida Department of Transportation and Avon Park Police Department worked to clean up the mess.

Travelers in all directions were detoured around the intersection while the crews worked.

Two people were transported to area hospitals by Highlands County Emergency Medical Services. Their names were not available at press time.

A Hazmat team from the Highlands County Emergency Operations Center was also called in. Even the storm water drains had to be pumped out so the spilled fuel would not contaminate area lakes and groundwater.
Avon Park Police Cmdr. Michael J. Rowan said no further report was available by press time as the police officers who took the crash report information also helped until 9 a.m. to clear up the intersection, and were then sent home.

Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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