An overturned fuel tanker shut down access to the McKinley Bridge for much of Thursday, but fortunately no one was seriously injured. Illinois State Police say the driver of the vehicle was heading south on Route 3 approaching the bridge when the tanker overturned ending up on its side. The driver was able to escape with minor injuries. The accident happened just after 9am yesterday.
However, the mishap forced emergency personnel to close down the highway, which in turn shut down the McKinley Bridge in both directions for much of the day. Clean up crews had to contain the fuel spill that occurred as a result of the accident, and more than 70 fire fighters were called in to assist. The vehicle was being driven for Piasa Motor Fuels of Hartford. The name of the driver was not released, but police say it appeared he was driving too fast for conditions. The highway and bridge re-opened just after 4pm.
(Copyright WBGZ Radio/ www.AltonDailyNews.com)
