There were no serious injuries as the result of a collision between a commercial passenger bus and oil tanker on the Trans Canada west of Long Harbour this morning, but the crash has resulted in a significant oil spill.
Two people on the bus were taken to hospital with what are being reported as minor injuries.
RCMP say a large quantity of oil spilled onto the highway and video from the scene around 6:30 this morning shows oil flowing like a river on the road.
An early estimate of the amount of fuel leaked is 23,000 litres according to a first responder at the scene.
A significant cleanup effort is underway. The highway was closed for a time as a result. The RCMP say one lane has reopened in each direction.
Occupational Health and Safety is involved in the investigation.
RCMP will provide updates when they become available.
Earlier Story:
The TCH became a river of fuel which gushed out of a tractor trailer just west of the Long Harbour turnoff this morning after colliding with a passenger bus.
An early estimate of the amount of fuel leaked is 23,000 litres.
Several people were rushed to hospital but no information is available from the authorities on the number or the extent of their injuries.
RCMP, the Whitbourne Fire Department and the Norman’s Cove Fire Department are on scene.
Chief Jamie Budden of Whitbourne says the TCH will be closed for several hours but traffic is being routed down through Chapel Arm and Bellevue. RCMP remind drivers that the detour is through a residential area with a speed limit of 50 km/h.
⚠️ UPDATE: Both east and west bound lanes of travel on the TCH west of the Long Harbour turnoff are now impassable due to the collision. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route. Updates will be provided. https://t.co/hRO90UGo6U
— RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador (@RCMPNL) January 8, 2024
