Alaska State Troopers report that a head on crash happened at 7:14 a.m. on Tuesday at mile post 142 of the Sterling Highway south of Ninilchik. An investigation revealed that a tractor trailer pulling double crude oil filled tanks was heading north operated by 47-year-old Aaron Miller of Homer. The trailer was struck at an angle on the passenger side by a Ford F-150 pick-up truck driven by 57-year-old Yvette Lemaster of Anchorage as it was traveling south on the Sterling Highway.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reports that a spill occurred when the tanker truck that was carrying 12,500 gallons of crude oil rolled over during a traffic accident. One of the tankers was damaged, causing release of the product. The amount of spilled crude oil is estimated to be about 900 gallons.
State Troopers report that Lemaster suffered severe injuries requiring life flight to Providence Hospital in Anchorage. The pick-up truck’s passenger, 19-year-old Mickayla Lemaster suffered minor injuries. She was transported, along with Miller, to Southern Peninsula Hospital.
(Photo Credit: Jade Gamble)
The source is controlled and the remaining product has been removed from the damaged tank. A boom has been placed to prevent further migration of the product. Following the removal of the product, the tanker truck and trailers will be righted and removed. The area affected by the spill will be delineated and affected soils will be removed for remediation.
There have been no reported impacts to local wildlife. It is likely that the contamination extends beyond the Alaska Department of Transportation right of way, but the area is heavily vegetated, and the extent of the contamination will be investigated.
Alaska State Troopers report that both vehicles received major damage in collision. The investigation of the crash is ongoing.
