PHOENIX — First responders are working to stop a large gasoline leak after a passenger vehicle collided with a semi-truck carrying the fuel in west Phoenix.
The crash happened around 10 a.m. near 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, Captain Scott Douglas with the Phoenix Fire Department said.
Officials said that the driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to the hospital in "extremely critical condition," but the semi-truck driver did not require transportation.
The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours from 51st Avenue to Elwood, and a quarter-mile east and west on Lower Buckeye Road.
Crews working to staunch a roughly 2-foot wide gash in the gasoline tank, which is currently still leaking fuel into the road, Captain Douglas said.
Authorities expect 3,000 gallons of fuel to be lost before the leak can be plugged, and 10,000 tons of sand are on the way to divert fuel away from storm drains.
Footage from the scene showed gasoline pouring out of the tanker onto the roadway, even as tow-trucks were pulled up alongside the crashed vehicle.
Captain Douglas reminded drivers about the extra care that has to be taken around semi-trucks.
"It's important for us to understand that they're a lot bigger than us, and it takes them a lot longer to stop. We need to give them space," he said.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for more updates.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.