Recovering Driver, Vehicle, and Spillage
When the call came in about a Route 322 tractor trailer recovery, we knew it would be a tough job that would keep us busy for days. The scene was near Port Matilda, PA. A tractor trailer with a loaded tanker had smashed through the guardrails and rolled down the mountainside into the creek. The driver was trapped, and the tanker was carrying 5,000 gallons of crude glycerin. We dispatched a full team and a lot of heavy equipment to the site.
Full Fleet and Team Mobilized
We sent out a full arsenal of equipment, including our Western Star Twin Steer with a 60-ton rotator, a Peterbilt with a 50-ton rotator, another Peterbilt with a 30-ton wrecker, and an International Rollback with a Kilar Series 15 Carrier Bed. We also had a supervisor truck, response trucks with traffic control gear, and various other heavy equipment. A total of 17 employees were on the scene.
Day 1: Rescue Operations
The first priority was rescuing the driver. We positioned our rotator and used endless loop straps to lift a large log that was pinning the driver. Working with the fire departments, we carefully removed the log and extricated the driver. Centre Region HazMat worked to contain the fuel spill. We secured the scene and planned to return for the recovery.
Day 2: Clean-up and Tractor Recovery
The next day, we began clean-up and recovery. We closed one highway lane for safety and used our emergency response truck to manage traffic. We removed damaged guardrails and debris, pumped diesel fuel from the truck’s tanks, and prepared the trailer for recovery. Using two rotators, we brought the tractor up the embankment and onto the highway, then loaded it onto a Landoll trailer for transport.
Day 3: Spill Clean-up and Product Recovery
We returned to offload the crude glycerin from the tanker. This was a time-consuming process due to the thick consistency of the glycerin. We used an air compressor and a double diaphragm pump to transfer the product into our tank trailer. We monitored and replaced absorbent booms in the creek to contain any spills.
Completing this Route 322 Tractor Trailer Recovery Job
The recovery continued over the next two days. We finished offloading the tanker and then used our rotators to lift the damaged tanker up the embankment. Our team loaded it onto a flatbed trailer for transport. They also removed all remaining debris and restored the damaged shoulder of the road.
Partnering with Local Authorities for a Safe Recovery
Throughout this Route 322 tractor trailer recovery operation, we worked closely with local authorities to ensure everything was handled smoothly and safely. The Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and Centre County Emergency Management Agency were on site to assist with traffic control, safety measures, and environmental protection. The collaboration with local fire departments, including the Hope Fire Company of Philipsburg and the Alpha Fire Company of State College, was crucial for the safe extrication of the driver and managing the hazardous materials involved. We thank them for their support in completing this Route 322 tractor trailer recovery operation.
Proud and Relieved
With a human trapped in the vehicle, this high-stakes job had our entire team on edge. The pressure was immense, but our crew pulled together with skill and determination. We are incredibly relieved and proud of the successful recovery of the driver. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. This Route 322 tractor trailer recovery was undoubtedly one of our most memorable operations. We are proud of our team, who rose to the challenge to see this complex Route 322 tractor trailer recovery through.
