Semi crash involving haz-mat snarls traffic on I-70 in Hendricks County

PLAINFIELD -- A property damage crash on Interstate 70 eastbound at the 65.8 mile marker involving a semi-tractor tanker transporting hazardous materials has snarled traffic throughout Thursday.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Indiana State Troopers from the Indianapolis Post were dispatched to the scene on the report of a semi-tractor tanker in the ditch on the south side of the roadway. The preliminary investigation revealed that Howard Durling, 59, of Houston, was operating a 2013 Volvo semi-tractor tanker eastbound and experienced mechanical steering problems.

As Durling was attempting to move to the emergency shoulder he lost steering control, causing the semi-tractor tanker to go into the ditch and overturn onto the passenger side. Durling was not injured.

The tanker was not compromised but a small leak occurred from a valve on top of the tanker due to it lying on its side. Haz-mat specialists from Summit Environmental Services were able to secure the leak and the load of toluene. Westbound lanes remained open during the investigation.

The Indiana Department of Transportation initiated a detour route at State Road 39 to U.S. 40 to State Road 267 to move traffic around the crash scene. A certified tanker from Ohio was brought to the scene to offload the haz-mat material

I-70 eastbound from SR 39 to SR 267 is expected to remain closed until 10 p.m.

Investigating Officers were ISP Trooper John Myers and Sgt. Dave Cox.

Assisting Agencies included Wayne Township, Plainfield, Liberty Township and Avon fire departments as well as Plainfield Police Department and the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department.