U.S. Army tanker spilled 800 gallons of jet fuel in rollover

A U.S. Army tanker that slid off the Richardson Highway on Sunday afternoon spilled around 800 gallons of jet fuel onto the surrounding snow and soil, officials said.

The truck was carrying a total of 1,150 gallons of fuel – jet propellant 8, which is widely used in the military – when it went off the highway, rolled over and slid down an embankment, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation said in a written release on Tuesday.

Officials estimate that about 800 gallons of jet fuel spilled onto the surrounding snow and soil.

Within 50 feet of the spill is an unnamed slough connecting to the Tanana River, which could be impacted during the spring thaw, the release said.

"The Tanana River is of particular concern due to the salmon that may be present," the release said.

After the accident, the tanker's remaining fuel was pumped out, and drums caught the fuel that was leaking from the hatches. The tanker was taken out of the ditch around 3 p,m. Monday, the release said.

An Army spokesperson said Monday there were no significant injuries in the crash.

The Department of Conservation, U.S. Army, and an Army contractor were making plans to remove contaminated snow and soil, the release said.

"Clean up work in the area will impact travel along the Richardson Highway," the release said.