This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.
Interstate 5 southbound was closed Saturday near milepost 192 at the OR 126-McKenzie Highway intersection as hazardous materials teams responded to a diesel spill from a burning garbage truck.
Shortly after 2 p.m., authorities reported that one southbound lane had been reopened, allowing traffic to move past the accident site, although they urged motorists to slow down and use caution.
The fire began when a garbage truck caught fire in the southbound lanes over Franklin Boulevard. Eugene Springfield Fire responded at 11:08 a.m. after dispatching Engine 4 from Springfield’s 5th and Centennial station, according to a release from ESF.
Crews arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, with its detached diesel tank leaking fuel onto the roadway. The diesel spill raised concerns due to its proximity to the Willamette River, prompting ESF’s hazmat team from the Valley River station to assist.
The hazmat team worked with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Northwest Hazmat to contain the diesel leak, while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. In addition to diesel, crews assessed the risk of hydraulic fluid and potentially hazardous waste in the garbage.
Northbound drivers were advised to slow down and use caution as smoke from the fire could impact visibility. Emergency responders were on-site, and officials warned of delays expected to last several hours in the area.
Authorities urged drivers to use alternate routes to avoid the area if possible.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Update: I-5 southbound lane reopens after truck fire, hazmat response
