UPDATE: Detour Ends As Crews Complete Cleanup of Materials Spilled from Semi at I-90/Hwy. 52 Near Rochester

UPDATE 8-29-24: The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the ramps connecting westbound Interstate 90 to Hwy. 52 have reopened. A detour had been in place since the tanker truck crashed around 7:00 Wednesday evening.

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The Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to the scene after receiving a report of a semi-truck rollover near the intersection of Interstate 90 and Highway 52, according to a release from Rochester Deputy Emergency Management Director, Brett Knapp.

Upon arrival, crews discovered the semi was carrying multiple containers marked with hazardous materials placards, some of which were leaking. The State Patrol says the tanker was transporting sodium chloride and hydrogen peroxide.

To ensure public safety, an initial isolation distance of 300 feet in all directions was established.

The RFD Chemical Assessment Team from Fire Station 4 was called in to assist with the incident.

Fire units on the scene donned protective gear and used monitors to assess the spread of gases or other hazards, such as flammability.

The driver of the semi managed to exit the vehicle on his own and was assessed for medical issues but was not transported to the hospital.

Monitoring efforts determined that the hazardous materials were not posing a broader risk to the public, either on the ground or through the air.

As of now, crews remain on site awaiting the arrival of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and private cleanup contractors to handle the situation.

The Exit 218 ramp to Highway 52 is closed, and a detour has been set up.

Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the accident. No injuries have been reported among civilians or firefighters.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Assisting agencies include the State Patrol, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, Rochester Emergency Management, and Olmsted Emergency Management.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) -- A Civil Danger Warning has been issued for Olmsted County tonight following a hazardous materials release near the intersection of Interstate 90 and Highway 52.

Residents and travelers in the area are urged to stay away from the affected vicinity and remain upwind to avoid possible exposure to harmful substances.

The warning was issued by civil authorities at 8:11 p.m. and is expected to remain in effect until close to 10 PM

The Exit 218 ramp to Hwy 52 is closed, and a detour is in place.

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