Fuel tanker partially overturns in San Rafael's Terra Linda district

A roadway in San Rafael remained closed Tuesday afternoon due to a tanker truck that partially overturned onto its side early Tuesday morning.

The portion of Northgate Drive between Manuel T. Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue was closed following the truck's mishap, the San Rafael Police Department said on social media around 5:30 a.m.

 
Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as there is no estimated time for reopening the roadway.

According to police, they received calls about a partially overturned fuel truck in the area shortly before 2:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers saw the rear fuel tanker trailer was on its side with fuel leaking out of the vehicle.

The leak was controlled with sand barriers and a hazardous materials team was sent to clean up the spilled fuel while authorities called for help for the gasoline tanker to be raised back up, according to police.

The driver was not injured and cooperated with first responders, police said. There were no evacuations required.

In an update shortly after 11 a.m., San Rafael police said the closure would remain in effect for several hours. First responders and hazmat crews were able to removed the fuel contained the tanker trailer. 

Manuel T. Freitas Parkway reopened a little after 2 p.m., but Northgate Drive remained closed between Las Gallinas Avenue and Freitas Parkway and drivers are still being asked to avoid the area. 

Most of the nearby businesses that were closed as a precaution are now open, police said.

As of about 2 p.m., Northgate Drive between Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue remained closed as cleanup continues, while Freitas Parkway is open in both directions. Polilce said most of the businesses affected by the inciddent are also open.

The cause of the crash was still being investigated.  

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• San Rafael