Tanker rolls, Hwy 3 slows

Photo: Emergency Management BC

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.

DriveBC is reporting the highway is now open to single lane alternating traffic. Motorists should expect a 20 minute delay. 

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.

Grand Forks Fire Department deputy chief Kevin McKinnon says the tanker truck actually overturned Wednesday at 5:45 a.m.

“The transport company is on scene, pumping the fuel out of the overturned tanker into a new trailer,” he said.

He said fire crews have closed Highway 3 as a precaution while the pumping work takes place. No fuel spilled from the original truck.

ORIGINAL 2:30 p.m.

Highway 3 is closed in both directions east of Grand Forks due to an overturned tanker truck.

BC Spill Response says the truck was carrying 40,000 litres of fuel and overturned 3 km east of town adjacent to the Kettle River. Fire crews are on scene.

“The responsible person has submitted a safety plan to Transport Canada to address the emergency. Once the fog in the area lifts and visibility improves the responsible person will move forward with the approved safety plan,” a statement from BC Spill Response says.

An environmental emergency response officer with B.C. Ministry of Environment is en route to the incident site.

DriveBC is not estimating when the highway will reopen at this point.