Overturned big rig in Van Zandt Co. still leaking gasoline - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

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Overturned big rig in Van Zandt Co. still leaking gasoline

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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TX (KLTV) -

Emergency crews in Van Zandt County are still on the scene of a Hazmat situation on FM 1653. First responders tell KLTV 7 an overturned 18-wheeler is still leaking gasoline. The spill has been contained after crews suffocated the vapors with foam, the kind of foam they use to fight fires. Authorities say there has been no contamination to water sources.

The driver, 37 year old Calvin Maurice Childress of Killeen, was taken to a hospital in Athens. It's possible he broke some fingers on his left hand.

According to DPS, Childress has been charged with traveling at an unsafe speed. DPS said Childress was traveling too fast for the curve. Childress told DPS he was unfamiliar with the road.

FM 1653 is closed between FM 858 and CR 4118. The road will be closed until later this afternoon.

First reports are that an alcohol based product has spilled from the truck. HAZMAT, along with Van Zandt County Sheriff's Department are on the scene.

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