Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
July 15, 2010
Contact:
Trooper J.J. Gundermann
Phone:
(253) 606-2941
E-mail:
john.gundermann@wsp.wa.gov
Tanker Fire in Tacoma Closes I-5 in Rush Hour Traffic
A Tanker Fire shuts down both north and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 at Pacific Ave. during the height of Rush hour. The July 15th incident happened around 4:30 p.m. when Robert Jager, 32 years-old, from Lakewood was driving a 2000 Kenworth Tanker truck northbound on I-5 at Pacific Ave. Jager, who drives for Lee and Eastes tanker Lines, observed smoke coming from the engine and began to pull over when the engine became fully engulfed in flames.
Jager and his passenger quickly exited the tanker and they were not injured. Fortunately, the fuel tanker was empty having just dropped off their load of fuel. Tacoma Fire Department quickly responded and put out the fire. Troopers and Washington Department of Transportation worked quickly to open the roadway to motorists. The southbound lanes and one northbound lane were opened at approximately 5:45 p.m. As of 7:00 p.m. there is still only one northbound lane open. The tow truck is at the scene but there is a large amount of burnt debris. Troopers hope to have all lanes open by 8:00 p.m.