Community Corner
Overturned Fuel Truck Prompts Evacuations, Power Shutoff In East County
Emergency crews reported gasoline spilling from the truck and flowing into nearby storm drains, officials said.
EL CAJON, CA — An overturned fuel truck promoted evacuations and a precautionary power shutoff Wednesday in San Diego's East County.
A tanker truck transporting about 8,800 gallons of gasoline overturned around 9:40 a.m. at the intersection of Fletcher Parkway and Navajo Road in El Cajon, according to Heartland Fire & Rescue.
Emergency crews reported gasoline spilling from the truck and flowing into nearby storm drains, said Andy McKellar, spokesperson for Heartland Fire & Rescue. The driver of the truck was injured and taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital.
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Authorities cleared people out of homes within a 300-foot radius of the site of the crash, McKellarsaid. Residents living farther away were advised to shelter in place. A temporary evacuation point was established at Fletcher Hills Recreation Center at 2345 Center Place in El Cajon.
Because of fuel leaking into the underground electrical system, SDG&E crews were
forced to shut down power in the area, McKellar said. Repairs are estimated to be complete around
4:40 p.m.
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The accident remains under investigation.
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