Overturned Oil Tanker Closes Highway 38

Big Bear, Ca, September 20, 2011, 8:30am – On September 19, at approximately 10:20 p.m., a fuel tanker filled with approximately 9000 gallons of gasoline overturned on Highway 38 approximately two miles east of Angelus Oaks.  According to Cal Trans and the California Highway Patrol approximately 8,300 gallons of fuel has spilled into the surrounding area and Highway 38 is closed due to the Hazardous Material Incident.  According to the CHP the fuel tanker was traveling eastbound on HWY 38 towards the Big Bear Area, and for reasons still under investigation, the truck and trailer overturned onto its right side.   The collision ruptured the trailer causing fuel to spill into the surrounding area.  The Cedar Falls campground has been evacuated due to the fuel spill.  Highway 38 is closed to all traffic from Lake Williams Road to Angelus Oaks.  Motorists needing to access or leave the Big Bear Area should use Highway 18, the front or back grade.  The fuel spill has been contained and has not accessed any streams or lakes.  The San Bernardino County Fire Department and CalTrans Hazmat crews are on scene overseeing the clean up that will involve digging up and replacing the turnout and possibly a section of the roadbed where the incident took place.  The duration of the closure is undetermined at this time.