Runaway Dump Truck Crashes, Spills Fuel
A runaway dump truck hauling a heavy load, crashing into a tree and spilling diesel fuel near a creek had all of the elements of a disaster Thursday in northeast Colorado Springs.
Fortunately, the incident on Channel Drive near Powers Boulevard and Research Parkway ended safely. A tow truck removed the damaged vehicle around two hours after the crash at 12:15 p.m., and emergency crews kept most of the fuel from a 105-gallon tank from spilling.
“We captured approximately 70 to 75 gallons,” said Lt. Bill Pellegrino of the Colorado Springs Fire Department. “We probably lost 10 to 15 gallons into the ground. The fuel-soaked dirt will be removed.”
The tree stopped the dump truck from tumbling into a drainage area that flows into Cottonwood Creek. Pellegrino said had that happened, crews would have spent at least 12 hours cleaning up the scene.
The unidentified driver declined to comment but was cited for leaving a vehicle unattended. The truck belonged to Enright Asphalt in Denver.
“He was pretty lucky today,” said Colorado Springs police Officer Pat Turechek. “From witness accounts, it missed two other vehicles.”
Pellegrino said the crash could have been avoided if the truck was shifted in parking gear and its wheels were turned into the curb.
