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Crude oil tanker overturns on U.S. 87 in Stockdale






STOCKDALE — According to Wilson County Health and Public Safety Office Coordinator Edwin Baker, a tractor-trailer hauling a load of crude oil overturned near the intersection of U.S. 87 & Main Street sometime after 4 a.m.

Baker, who is at the scene, said the impact caused the trailer’s tank to split, spilling most of its contents. Though there is a heavy smell of crude in the air, there is no immediate danger to the public, he said.

One northbound lane of U.S. 87 is closed as crews work to contain the hazardous spill at the site. A hazardous materials cleanup crew is en route, according to Baker. On hand are representatives of fire departments from Stockdale & La Vernia, Wilson County ESD No. 3/EMS, the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, & the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Cleanup may take about 4 hours, Baker said. Most of the crude has flowed down the highway drainage along U.S. 87.