Fuel Leak Contained Following Semi-Truck Jack-knife Incident on I-29

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) responded to a hazardous materials call on Interstate 29 Thursday afternoon after a tractor-trailer accident resulted in a punctured fuel tank.

Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 12:45 p.m. on January 16. According to official reports, a northbound tractor-trailer lost traction, crossed through the median, and jack-knifed in the southbound lanes. The driver was able to straighten the vehicle to avoid blocking traffic flow, but the maneuver resulted in a puncture to one of the truck’s saddle tanks.

WFR Engine 1 arrived on the scene with a two-person crew to assess the damage and mitigate the fuel leak. Responders remained on-site for nearly an hour to ensure the area was safe and the spill was contained.

Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Codington County Emergency Management, and Performance Towing.

Officials urge motorists to exercise caution when road conditions are unfavorable. Drivers are reminded to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles to ensure the safety of both responders and the traveling public.