Rollaway empty semi-truck strikes natural gas pipeline at Enbridge Line 5 excavation project site
Story Update 9:30 p.m.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources clarified that the semi-truck struck a natural gas transmission line, not the line carrying crude oil.
A DNR spokesperson says the material released is in gas form and is no longer under pressure in the line. The pipeline was shut down to prevent further release, and repairs are planned.
SAXON, Wis. (WBUP/WJMN) — State environmental officials clarified Tuesday evening that a runaway semi-truck that crashed into an Enbridge Line 5 excavation site struck a natural gas transmission line, not a pipe carrying crude oil.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed the released material is in gas form and is no longer under pressure. Hazmat crews isolated and shut down the pipeline to stop the leak, and repairs are now in the planning stages.
The crash occurred around 10 a.m. in Iron County, near the Michigan border, forcing the evacuation of nearby homes and prompting a temporary no-fly zone. According to the DNR, Enbridge reported the release to the National Response Center at 11:02 a.m. and the state spills hotline at 11:15 a.m.
Environmental consulting firm Stantec is currently on site conducting air monitoring. State officials are still calculating the total volume of natural gas released into the atmosphere.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office reports there are still no injuries related to the crash or the subsequent gas leak.
Original Story
SAXON, Wis. (WBUP/WJMN) — An unoccupied semi-truck rolled into an open excavation site and struck a natural gas pipeline at a Line 5 excavation project site Tuesday morning, releasing a massive cloud of natural gas liquids and forcing the evacuation of nearby homes.
The incident happened at approximately 10 a.m. near Sitan Road in the Town of Saxon, according to Iron County Sheriff Paul Samardich. The truck was parked near a Line 5 valve project before it rolled into the site and hit the infrastructure.
No injuries have been reported.
Emergency responders and hazardous materials teams are currently on the scene. The damaged section of the gas pipeline has been isolated to stem the flow of the leak.
Aerial footage by David Bates of the site shows a dense, sprawling plume of white vapor completely enveloping heavy construction equipment, including a crane, and filling the surrounding excavation area.
Authorities have closed Sitan Road until further notice to allow crews to work safely and established a temporary no-fly zone overhead. As a safety precaution, electricity in the immediate area has been shut off. Officials are coordinating assistance for residents affected by the localized power outage.
The released substance, natural gas liquids (NGLs), consists of hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. These liquids are separated from natural gas during processing and are commonly used as fuel and raw materials for plastics, fertilizer, and medical supplies.
The sheriff’s office is urging the public to avoid the area and follow all directives from emergency personnel as the cleanup and investigation continue.
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