1 Dead In Crash That Caused Diesel Fuel Spill Near Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, IL — One person was killed in a two-vehicle crash that caused a diesel spill in the area of Kishwaukee Valley Road and South Hughes Road in unincorporated Woodstock early Tuesday.

The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District was called to the collision at about 6 a.m. on Tuesday and found a commercial truck had collided with a pickup truck, according to a news release. The driver of the pickup truck, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the commercial truck was evaluated by paramedics at the scene and declined any medical treatment.

The impact from the collision caused a rupture to one of the truck’s saddle tanks, causing diesel fuel to spill onto the pavement. Firefighters worked quickly to contain the spill using absorbent materials to prevent the fuel from reaching the adjacent ditch.

It was believed that less than 40 gallons of diesel fuel were involved in the spill. The leak came from the saddle tank located directly below the driver’s door, which sustained a small puncture during the crash," said Alex Vucha, public information officer for Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. "Firefighters used absorbent materials to contain the spill to the roadway and prevent it from reaching the surrounding ditch area."

The truck was not hauling or transporting any hazardous materials at the time of the incident, Vouch added.

Emergency crews assisted with initial containment, but "full cleanup is typically the responsibility of the company involved," Vucha said.

Kishwaukee Valley Road remained closed in both directions for several hours following the collision. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, police said.