Tractor-trailer trucks collide spilling fuel, debris across U.S. 40


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DUCHESNE — A crash involving two tractor-trailer trucks closed U.S. 40 in both directions just west of Duchesne for nearly eight hours overnight.

The crash happened about 10:50 p.m. Wednesday when the driver of a DRC Enterprises water truck traveling east crossed into the oncoming lane, troopers said. The water truck crashed into a Pilot Flying J tanker truck loaded with crude oil and both trucks "sustained substantial damage," according to UHP Sgt. Todd Hull.

"They both lost their full tanks of diesel fuel out of their saddle tanks and engine oil out of their motors," the sergeant said. "This left their fluids spilled on the roadway, covering both travel lanes for about 200 yards." Debris from the trucks was also scattered across the road, Hull said.

The water truck came to a stop on the westbound shoulder, while the tanker truck end up on its side on the eastbound shoulder, according to Hull.

"Neither truck lost any of their loads, due to their tanks not being compromised," he said.

Troopers identified Tyler J. Bingham, 27, as the driver of the water truck and Michael L. Georgi, 53, as the driver of the tanker truck. Neither man appeared to be injured. They were taken by private vehicles to Uintah Basin Medical Center in Roosevelt to be checked out as a precaution, UHP Cpl. Brett Hansen said.

The highway was opened to traffic again about 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Troopers are still trying to determine what caused Bingham to drift at least three feet into the oncoming lane, said Hansen, who noted that no citations have been issued.

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