By Staff 7-18,2016
A commercial tanker crash on July 16th resulted in a breach and release of approximately 10,000 gallons of crude oil. The crash occurred on the 16th around 7:30 a.m. at the intersection of Wyoming State Highway 130 and the Interstate 80 westbound on-ramp near Walcott Junction 20 miles east of Rawlins, Wyoming.
A 2009 Peterbilt commercial truck that was towing the tanker trailer was attempting to turn left from WY 130 northbound onto the I-80 westbound on-ramp when the combination unit overturned during the turn. The driver of the truck, 25 year old Riverton, Wyoming resident Anthony Keele, was wearing his seat belt and was not injured.
Keele was cited for taking the turn at a speed that was too fast. The on-ramp was closed for approximately 30 minutes before WYDOT and towing crews were able to make the ramp passable for traffic. The overall cleanup was still ongoing this morning (July 18th).