Truck Crashes into San Marcos River

Posted by Chrissie ColeApril 17, 2008 10:57 AM

An 18-wheeler plummeted into the environmentally sensitive San Marcos River this morning and emergency workers have been working to remove the fuel from the truck tank.

The truck cab had been submerged to its roof in the river, but the driver, who said the steering had gone out, following the trucking accident, was able to escape without serious injury. The trailer was transporting computer components, officials said.

The truck driver estimates the fuel tank had 70 gallons of gas at the time of the crash, but officials are not expecting a lot of environmental damage. Officials are working to clean up the scene of the crash.

It took three tow trucks to pull the truck from the river. Floating barriers were being used to help contain the spill, and absorbent pads were being used to draw the fuel from the water.

Stephen Twidwell, a pollution biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department based in San Marcos, said it looks like the fish are doing well downstream and that the water is flowing well.

To pull the truck from the water, officials had to remove a bent axle from the front of the truck. San Marcos Fire and Rescue officials removed the remaining fuel from the cab. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is overseeing the cleanup.

The truck driver was treated and released from Central Texas Medical Center with minor injuries.