Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Sticky situation

PENDLETON, Ind. - A semitrailer carrying large drums of glue spilled part of its load onto a state highway Tuesday, causing the road to be closed for about three hours as crews worked to resolve the sticky situation.

Police officers diverted traffic off Indiana 67 and 38 and U.S. 36 after the spill. Workers and customers were evacuated from businesses within 100 yards of the spill and about 10 people were treated at the scene or a nearby hospital for skin, eye or respiratory irritation, Madison County Emergency Management spokesman Todd Harmeson said.

The spill happened about 10:30 a.m., when two 55-gallon drums of Bondmaster glue the truck was carrying tipped over and leaked onto the highway. A passing motorist alerted the truck driver, who pulled off, and police, fire and emergency personnel responded to the area about 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis.

The cleanup had started by 1 p.m. and the roads were reopened by 1:30 p.m.

"Everything went really well," Fire Chief Danny Gardner said. "We had to evacuate some people, but that was just to act safely on the side of caution."

The truck driver was cited for failing to properly secure his load and having a leaking load.

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