Tanker Driver At Fault For Truck Accident On Dulles Greenway in VA | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

The Loudoun Times-Mirror reported that charges have been filed against the truck driver allegedly responsible for a serious accident on the Dulles Greenway (also known as Route 267) on January 26. Tanker driver Richard Clem, 24, of Middletown, was charged with one count of reckless driving according to the Virginia State Police.

The accident occurred at 2 a.m. at the 3.2-mile marker near Shreve Mill Road, when Clem’s tanker truck ran off the left side of the westbound road in rolled over in the median. The tanker was carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel, which spilled onto the roadway and shut down multiple lanes of Dulles Greenway for a number of hours during clean-up between Leesburg and Ashburn. The lanes were re-opened by midday on Monday.

Two eastbound lanes reportedly reopened about 7:30 a.m, according to the WJZ Virginia Wire. All westbound lanes reopened about 9:30 a.m. The far left eastbound lane and median remain closed as hazardous materials teams work to clear the area. Many local commuters were advised to find new routs to work for the day due to lane closures and delays.

Authorities do no know how much of the 7,500 gallons leaked onto the median and roadway, but guess that the clean-up involved hundreds of gallons of fuel. An official from Loudoun County reported that the spill, though hazardous to the environment, posed no threat to the public.

Clem was taken to the Inova Loudon Hospital by ambulance for minor, non-life-threatening injuries. In the meantime, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue sent hazardous material personnel to control the accident scene and clear the spill. They were joined by a private hazardous materials clean-up company to contain the damage.

Police added that fatigue was a factor in the truck accident, as is the case with a number of truck accidents.

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