Police say a semi hauling double tankers overturned in Washington because the driver was distracted by a six-week-old puppy in his cab.
It happened on Highway 211, near Usk, Washington, on Monday afternoon.
According to KHUI, both trailers ruptured and completely blocked Highway 211. The Department of Ecology estimates that 9,300 gallons of diesel fuel spilled on the roadway.
Initial reports indicate that the driver of the truck swerved towards a ditch after being distracted by the puppy, then over-corrected and flipped over.
@TCBlodgettKHQ @KHQLocalNews our initial estimate spilled is 9,300 gallons of diesel product. No water impacted.
— Ecology East – Brook (@ecyspokane) November 21, 2016
The road was closed from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, but has since reopened.
The driver was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. The six-week-old puppy was found wandering in the woods and was not injured.