INDIANAPOLIS — On Thursday, Feb. 20, a tanker carrying jet fuel crashed on the overpass from I-70 to I-465 on the east side, then exploded. The driver was pulled from the cab of the vehicle by two Good Samaritans and taken to safety. The driver remains in critical condition as of Feb. 25.
Firefighters and other emergency personnel were on the scene within minutes of receiving the call as the flames spread down the embankment. However, some of the jet fuel made its way from the crash site into Pleasant Run. Residents began to complain of an odor coming from the waterway and an oily looking slick, which was reported to officials.
Marion County Health Department officials stated that some jet fuel and water used to dowse the flames had made its way down the embankment and flowed into Pleasant Run.
Environmental clean-up crews arrived to treat multiple areas, concentrating on 21st and Shadeland and East 10th St. and Arlington. Booms were placed to prevent the fuel from traveling downstream, and vacuum trucks were deployed to remove it from the waterway.
Officials have stated that there is no immediate health threat to humans or wildlife.
UPDATE: Waterfowl contaminated with jet fuel have been taken to local rehab experts, who are assessing their condition. In addition, there have been reports further downstream near Christian Park of a strong odor. These incidents have been reported to officials.