Highway near Corner Brook blocked by overturned fuel truck

Fire crews have freed the driver of a fuel truck that overturned on the Trans-Canada Highway near Corner Brook. The driver, who was pinned after the accident is pictured here holding one firefighter's hand after being rescued. (Colleen Connors/CBC)

The Trans-Canada Highway near Corner Brook remains impassable after a tanker truck overturned causing an extensive fuel spill across the road.

The truck overturned on an exit ramp heading east. The driver, who had been pinned inside the truck, was freed by emergency crews on the scene.

The highway was initially closed in both directions, but at noon the RCMP announced motorists could bypass the closure by entering Corner Brook through the Massey Drive and Riverside Drive exits.

The truck overturned on an exit ramp heading east. (Colleen Connors/CBC)

Traffic is also being diverted through Corner Brook using the exit at Watson Pond and the Corner Brook Industrial Park. A social media post from the RCMP just after 2 p.m. NT said they expect the road to be impassable for several more hours.

Fire crews are hosing down the truck to prevent the ignition of the spilled fuel.

Emergency crews have created a wide perimeter around the truck.

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